After you’ve done your research about the car you want, you’ve test-driven it, pulled up the car history report, and gotten your budget nailed, you’re ready to start used car shopping. So, how do you know, if you’re truly getting a good deal? In this blog post, Car City will provide you with four tips to know you’re definitely getting a good deal on your new, used car.
Checking the market price from an outside source, such as Kelly Blue Book can help you know the fair market value of the car you’re considering. Once you know the fair market price, you’ll be able to tell if the car you’re considering is reasonably priced or not.
Next, you will want to check the overall condition of the car. One that’s in good condition will generally cost more, but it’s usually worth extra money. Check for dents, scratches, and rust. Look for signs of neglect such as balding tires, rusting suspension, rust on the frame, or patches that look like they may have been repaired. Always get the car inspected by a mechanic before purchasing. The Car City Difference is that we offer used cars with a certified quality inspection already done.
Mileage is another important factor to consider when buying a used car. A car with lower mileage will generally have less wear and tear and last longer. A car with high mileage may cost less, but you have to consider that it generally needs more maintenance to keep running as items wear out. Another thing to consider is the used car lot’s extended warranty plan . Warranty plans can usually help with maintenance costs on an aging car.
When shopping for a used car, it’s important to do your research by checking fair market value, getting the car inspected, and considering the mileage. Doing these things can help boost your confidence that you are getting a good deal. If you have any additional questions, contact Car City at one of our three locations in Whiteville, Calabash or Conawy, and our staff would love to help you out!
FAQs
Check Market Price
How do you know if you're getting a good deal on a car? ›
It's fairly easy to tell if the dealer's price for the new car is good. Check Edmunds' True Market Value® (TMV®) price, making sure you add all the options and mileage (for used cars) correctly. But remember, this is the average price that other people paid in your area. Some people paid more, while others paid less.
What mileage is good for a used car? ›
Experts agree that the common rule of thumb on mileage for a used vehicle is roughly 12,000 miles added for each year of ownership. That means, for example, good mileage for a used vehicle that's five years old would be around 60,000 miles.
What is the sweet spot for buying a used car? ›
If you decide to keep it at that point, understand that there's a good chance it's going to be less reliable in the future. When you're buying a used car, I'd say the sweet spot is two-three years and 24,000 to 36,000 miles. At that point, lots of cars will have depreciated by about a third.
How do you determine a good price for a car? ›
Once you find a vehicle that fits your budget and your lifestyle, calculate a profit margin that's both within your price range and fair to the dealership. Putting in an offer that's 3 to 5 percent higher than the invoice price is typically fair.
What should you always negotiate a car deal on? ›
The most important item you can negotiate is the purchase price. Dealers usually base their asking price on the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), which is the price the automaker considers fair for the vehicle. But you might not always pay the MSRP.
What is the first thing you should know when negotiating the price of a car? ›
Research the numbers
A car's MSRP is not the lowest price a dealer can accept, and you can use it as a starting point for negotiations. With that in mind, it's important to do some research to figure out the car's value.
What is the best mileage for a second-hand car? ›
The best age vs the best mileage for used cars
A reasonably good mileage on a used car should be about 15,000 km—20,000 km per year. For example, a three-year-old car should have used around 45,000 km to 65,000 km, and a five-year-old should have used around 75,000 km to 100,000 km.
How can you tell if a used car is bad? ›
Test drive the car
- Tires: How old are they? Are they even? ...
- Brakes: Are they making any weird noises? Do they feel smooth?
- Is there anything leaking or steaming?
- Does the AC actually work?
- Do your lights all work?
- Do the doors, windows and lids open and close properly?
- How does the engine sound when turned on?
It's also important to consider the car's city mpg rating. This is the average fuel economy the car gets in city driving conditions. If you do a lot of city driving, you'll want to look for a car that gets good city mpg as well as highway mpg. A car that gets at least 25 mpg in the city is considered good gas mileage.
5 Things to Never Tell a Car Salesman If You Want the Best Deal
- 'I love this car. ' ...
- 'I'm a doctor at University Hospital. ' ...
- 'I'm looking for monthly payments of no more than $300.' ...
- 'How much will I get for my trade-in?' ...
- 'I'll be paying with cash,' or 'I've already secured financing.'
How to Protect Yourself in 7 Easy Steps When Buying a Used Car
- Don't Skip the Test Drive. ...
- Check the Car's Title. ...
- Expect to Get a Free Vehicle History Report. ...
- But Don't Rely Solely on That Report. ...
- Check for Recalls. ...
- Contact the Previous Owner. ...
- Get a Mechanic's Inspection.
Today, many shoppers negotiate for a used car by requesting a car dealer quote online or texting the car's owner. Get the numbers: Look up the car's current market value. Make the right opening offer: Keep your offer low, but realistic. Make a counteroffer: Sweeten the deal, but not too much.
What is a better predictor of the cost of a used car? ›
Many factors figure into the value of a used car, but mileage and condition are the most important.
How do you know if you're getting a good price on a car? ›
But by looking at the TMV or the Edmunds Suggested Price, you can get a rough idea of how popular the vehicle is and what you should expect to pay for it. If you already have a quote from the dealership, use the Edmunds Price Checker to help determine if you're getting a good deal.
What is a reasonable price for a good car? ›
Key Takeaways. At the end of 2022, the average new car cost over $49,500, and the average used car topped $26,500 as of early 2023. It is generally recommended that you cap transportation expenses at 10% of your monthly income.
How to Know If a Used Car Is a Good Deal ...YourMechanichttps://www.yourmechanic.com ›
When you need to buy a used car, it can be quite difficult to sift through the thousands of used cars for sale in your area. You'll find used car advertisem...
Of course, there's reading reviews and taking a test drive. There's securing financing, assessing the vehicle's condition and finding a car with the...
In a market where dealers won't negotiate, here's how to recognize when you're getting a deal, and when you're getting hosed.
Here are a few more tactics to help you get a good deal on your next car:
- Don't buy a car in a hurry (unless you have no choice). ...
- Check all the numbers and ask for the out-the-door price.
- Read online reviews of the dealership before you begin negotiating. ...
- Plan to spend a chunk of time at the dealership.
As early as possible, speak to the seller on the phone and ask plenty of questions. If you get very vague answers, if the seller gets defensive or aggressive, or if they cannot confirm their location or the location of the vehicle, you are probably dealing with a scammer. See the car before you buy it.
How do you know if you're getting a good used car? ›
Here's what you should look for:
- Check the body for imperfections like gaps, dents, or discolored paint. ...
- Inspect the windows for chips and cracks, the tires for uneven wear, and the tailpipe for black grease.
- Get under the vehicle and check the wheel wells and underbody for rust, which could lead to future problems.
Compare prices
Shop around to see what other similar vehicles are going for in your market. If you can quote prices from other cars in the area, the seller might be more willing to bring down the price. Remember, they want to make the sale, and if they can't offer you a fair price, you can look at other options.
