Frugal Autos: How to Find a Car That Won’t Break the Bank
Wednesday, October 19, 2016, 6:00 AM | Leave Comment
If your old car has seen some better days, or you don’t have a car at all, you might be trying to search the market for a new one. But chances are good that most of them that you come across are out of your price range.
That is why it is important to know a few tricks for getting a car at a lower cost.
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Come With Cash
The psychological effect of having visible cash already available for a purchase can quickly influence a seller into letting a car go for thousands of dollars less than they were originally willing to agree to.
For safety reasons, be sure to bring a trusted person along with you if you will be carrying a significant amount of money, though.
If you do not feel safe with a large amount of cash, offer to write a check for the whole amount of the purchase price that you think is acceptable.
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Find the Flaws
Inspect the car inside and out. Take it for a test drive too. Write a list of all of the dents, scratches, or faults that you might see. Show this to the seller as a bargaining tool for getting the price reduced some.
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Check the Blue Book
Before you ever pay a cent for a car, such as a new Toyota, always check a resource called the “Kelley Blue Book.”
Professionals, like those at Milton Reuben Toyota, know how helpful it is to learn the current value of your prospective vehicle.
If the seller tries to make you pay more than this price, go to someone else who is more honest than them.
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The Reverse Shopping Method
Instead of looking for a car then trying to find a way to pay for it, do the opposite. Tell the car dealer how much money that you are willing to spend on a vehicle first, so they can help you find a match.
Be sure to still follow the other tips for getting a good final price, though.
As a precaution, it is best to always go car shopping with a qualified mechanic or someone who has automotive experience. Tell them to test drive the car and check it for any signs of broken parts or engine trouble that you might not have noticed.
If the repairs are minor, consider getting the car anyways. But ask for a deep discount for the trouble. Also, don’t forget to request a report of the car’s history to see if it has been in any previous accidents before.
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Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on twitter and Facebook.
