Tips on Women Buying Used Cars

Buying a used car may seem scary. You want to avoid accidentally purchasing a "lemon," or a defective car, yet still find a good deal and select the right car for your needs. And women may feel even more nervous when dealing with an individual seller, trying to negotiate a deal or worrying that their lack of automobile knowledge will hinder them.

Selection

Before setting out to buy a used car, decide what kind of car you want. Popular types of cars include sedans, sports cars, mini-vans and SUVs. Decide what age range you wish to look for. Cars that are 10 years old are typically cheaper than cars that are five years old; but older cars are more likely to need extra work. The car-buying guide Samarins recommends never buying a used car more than 10 to 12 years old.

Getting a Good Deal

Research the appropriate price range for the models and year of your desired car. Check any and all online listings as well as online or print classified ads. Establish the price range you feel comfortable with. If you discover that the model you desire is priced from $5,000 to $6,000, then don't offer more than $6,000. Try to purchase a car from a listing with a fair price, rather than attempting to haggle with a seller. Some people consider women "suckers" because women tend to know less about automobiles and tend to spend less time negotiating prices.

History Report

Check the history report for a specific car before you purchase it. This report includes information about flood damage, whether the vehicle is a lemon, any accidents and specific vehicle use. Online sources, such as Car Fax sell history reports, while other sites provide a bulk discount that allows you to buy several reports for a few dollars more than a single report. Ordering a history report requires a vehicle's "Vehicle Identification Number" (VIN).

Safety

Avoid possible risks to your safety by establishing intelligent safety guidelines. Always call car sellers before visiting their home. Don't enter the house of a seller who makes uncomfortable. Avoid shopping for cars in unfamiliar or unsafe neighborhoods. Limit your shopping to daytime hours. For additional safety, take a friend.