Buying Used Cars

 

Buying Used Cars Details

Buying Used Cars : All you need to know about how, when and where to buy a used car; plus how to check it, test it and negotiating the best deal.

• Type of car 
• Where to buy? 
• Checking it out 
• Road test 
• After the test 
• Independent inspection 
• Negotiating a deal

 

Where to buy? : From a bloke down the pub, to the clean-shaven smartly dressed smiling salesmen in glitzy main dealer showrooms, there are many places you could eventually come by your car. More than half the cars sold find new owners through the retail motor trade, ranging from franchised dealers, and the car 'supermarkets' to small independent dealers.

Checking it out : If you're not confident of your ability to check a used car, ask someone with more knowledge to accompany you. In any case it is better to take someone with you. Two pairs of eyes are better than one, and a second opinion can often sway an undecided buyer one way or another. A single woman visiting a private address should ask a friend to go along too. 

Road Test : A road test is essential, so check that you have an insurance cover! Check with your insurance broker if you have any doubts. Remember, it's not just a case of checking to see if the car starts, goes, steers and brakes properly, you should also check to see that it is suitable for you. See that you fit, that you are comfortable, and that you find it easy to drive, handle and see out of.

After the test : Check the engine bay to spot fresh leaks. Ask someone else to hold the throttle open at a fast-idle engine speed and then blip the accelerator briefly while you look at the exhaust. Check all safety items (seat belt fastenings, seat mountings and adjusters). Lock and unlock all doors, make sure all lights and indicators work, and test any electrically operated items such as window winders or sunroof. Test the audio system.

Type of car : What type of car would suit you best? Saloon, estate, sports, 4WD, hatchback, convertible, etc? How should you decide? You already know that you want to get a car. And you have wisely decided that you are going to save yourself the huge amount of depreciation by buying used cars instead of new.

More on Buying Used Cars

Online Purchasing Guide:

First, use our MSRP information to understand what the base price would be for your vehicle.

Second, use our instant price quote button or click through any hyperlink to the AMI web site to fill out a free up front quote request form or to do more research.

Third, wait for an accredited AMI dealer to contact with a price quote.

 
Terms Defined

• MSRP: “Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price”. This is the actual price that is typically attached to the car via a sticker on the window.
• Invoice: This is an invoice provided by the manufacturer that is not actual Base Cost. Invoices have a hidden fee or "Holdback" that equals a percentage of the MSRP or Invoice price.
• Shipping: The fee charged for transporting the vehicle to the dealer from the manufacturer. This charge is to be passed on to the buyer without any markup.
• Hold Back: This is a non-published pricing promotion (discount) that is given back to the dealer at the conclusion of a sale of a vehicle.
• Final Cost: This is derived by adding shipping to the invoice amount and subtracting any rebates and hold back.

  

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