How to Find Used & Preowned Cars

Purchasing a new car is an expensive financial decision that can result in a loss of equity over the life of ownership. But if you purchase a used vehicle, you'll get little loss of equity and a lower purchase price. There are a number of places that you can visit to negotiate a reasonable price for a preowned vehicle.

Instructions

Purchase a Used Car

1

Search your local dealerships. Most of the major dealerships carry a full used car selection in addition to new cars. Some companies, such as Mercedes-Benz and Acura, offer certified preowned models. Ask the dealer whether a certified vehicle comes with any benefits such as an extended warranty or complimentary factory inspections. You can consider a certified preowned vehicle to be a reliable purchase, because these vehicles are inspected to high standards.

2

Search the newspapers and classifieds for used cars. The classifieds are peppered with a mixture of resellers and private sellers. If you find a vehicle from a private seller, expect to either pay cash or seek preapproved financing through a banking institution. Private sellers often are motivated to sell their used cars quickly, so be prepared to negotiate the selling price for the best deal.

3

Log on to an auction website like eBay or search an online classified site such as Craigslist for listings. If you use an auction website, purchase from a trusted seller with high approval ratings. Internet classifieds are much like print classifieds, though many on the Internet do not require commissions or listing fees. Try to negotiate a lower price for a car that has no listing fees attached to it.

4

Check national listing companies for used cars at competitive prices. Some websites like AutoTrader.com and Yahoo! Autos allow customers to narrow down search criteria to a specific geographic radius, or to search nationally between both private sellers and car resellers.