How to Buy a Used Saab

The Swedish car company Saab has been producing cars since about 1950. Purchasing a used Saab saves money and eliminates the stress of monthly car payments required for financing a new car. Saab car dealerships offer certified pre-owned models that must meet high standards of quality and mechanical specifications. Individuals are often willing to sell a used Saab privately as well.

Instructions

1

Determine how much you can afford to spend on purchasing a used Saab vehicle. Factor possible maintenance costs and repairs into your budget in case the Saab you purchase needs some work done.

2

Research user reviews and consumer reports to determine the Saab model that best fits your needs. Choose between the sedan, sports sedan, wagon and convertible models based on factors like seating space, size, economy and speed. Try to narrow your choices down to two models.

3

Compare the safety ratings of your top two choices of Saab models to determine which car offers better protection in the event of an accident. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety provides safety ratings for used Saab models based on a variety of high-speed crash tests and seat belt quality.

4

Search through automotive magazines and the classified newspaper ads to find individuals selling used Saab vehicles. Contact the owners and set up a meeting date and time to inspect and test drive the Saab. A 2008 article on "CNN Money" suggests careful inspection of a car's interior features, exterior, radio, window and seat adjustments, highway acceleration, right and left turn handling, brakes and comfort during a test drive.

5

Visit a local Saab dealership and have a salesperson show you the available used models. Ask the dealer to let you test drive a few Saab models in your price range. Take the car dealer's business card before leaving so you can contact him for a future purchase.

6

Call private sellers and the Saab salesperson and ask for the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for each used Saab model you are serious about purchasing. Use the VIN to look up each Saab's vehicle history report to reveal any past accidents, water damage, title issues and ownership history. Many websites offer used car history reports for free.

7

Meet with the private seller or Saab salesperson to negotiate a used car sale for the model of your choice. Consider the Saab's mileage, history report, safety ratings, model reviews, gas mileage and year to negotiate a fair selling price. Sign all contract or title paperwork and get everything in writing.

8

Visit your local motor vehicle department to fill out the necessary paperwork and confirm the title/ownership of your used Saab. Call your automotive insurance company and provide them with your used Saab's year, model, VIN number, color and mileage information to add the vehicle to your car insurance policy.