Here is I post for you the article written by Joshua Rose, how to find cheap cars.
Public Car Auctions: This is probably the best outlet for getting a car below it's trade-in value, and often far below. There really are "cheap cars" at auctions. And anyone can go ... no license is required.
These are bank repo, government and police seized car auctions and there are definitely some deals to be had. While learning "how" to buy a car at an auction isn't difficult, actually locating them in your area can be. Also, finding the exact car you want may take more than going to a single auction.
While many cars at these auctions are high mileage vehicles, some in need of repair, I'd estimate that 15% to 20% are of the low-mileage, late-model variety that were simply brand new cars a few months ago. And due to the current financial crisis, this is a fast growing segment. There's some real bargains here.
To learn more, you can take a look at this more extensive article on using and locating open-to-the-public car auctions.
Car Brokers: Next, there are Car Brokers like us. But you should understand what we are capable of and what are our limitations.
Most of us purchase vehicles primarily at Dealer-Only auctions. This means we pay the going "trade-in value" for a car. And then, because brokers should have much lower costs than a traditional Dealership, they can then put a small markup on the car.
The result for the consumer, depending on the actual price paid by the broker, will be a price very near the actual trade-in value for the car.
Using a broker, however, is actually an "easy" method for the car buyer. It takes very little effort because the broker does the work. But if you do the work, there are even better deals.
Cars Sold By Owner: This is another option where some patient shopping should pay dividends. Search for your car at websites such as AutoTrader.com and Cars.com. Also check your local newspaper classifieds section.
Individuals know they can't sell their cars at the same prices as Dealers because there are no services provided and there is very little recourse available for buyers. At the same time, individuals also don't have any Dealership costs to markup for.
And with good negotiating and persistent shopping, you can find those sellers who just have to sell for financial reasons and a great deal is the outcome.
Know The "Inside" Techniques: Have you seen this yet? It's about an Auto Dealer Executive (a Dealership General Manager, actually) who quit the industry and then "broke the code of silence" by spilling all the inside tricks and techniques. If you're buying from a Dealership, this is strongly recommended for getting the cheapest price on either new or used cars.
But nomatter what source you use to get your car purchased at the wholesale price ... or better ... always be a smart, informed buyer. Always, and I mean ALWAYS, get the CarFax or AutoCheck History Report of the vehicle. And always have the vehicle mechanically inspected prior to purchase.
The bottom line: Getting a "cheap car" or the absolute "best buy" on a car is indeed within your control ... if your own personal circumstance allows it. You can try to get "lucky" by going through the usual car buying routine. But if you make the time and put in some extra effort, there are definitely some outstanding car savings out there.
by: Joshua Rose
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Car rentals: Buying rental cars
When you are considering buying a used vehicle, it is important to cover all of your bases and take all options into consideration. Most people don't even think about the buy a rental car option. It is an option with many pros and cons and it is worth it to factor them into your used car purchase decision.
Rental car purchase pros
First things first, as a used buyer you know where this car is coming from. Chances are the car has been kept clean and well maintained during its life as a rental. Any rental service that sells their cars should be able to offer you maintenance records to back that up. In fact it should be insisted upon to ensure that the car has been properly cared for.
Pricing is another attractive factor if you want to purchase a rental car. Many of the cars rental agencies will offer for sale are less than a year old and have less than 25,000 miles on them. Do not be suspect when you see a newer model for sale, it does not necessarily indicate that the vehicle is problematic. Rental companies are able to purchase their vehicle at the bare minimum fleet pricing, enabling them to re-sell at very competitive prices.
Another pro is the possibility of a warranty still intact with a purchase through a rental car company. Because they generally sell them within a year of purchase and at a reasonable mileage, there is a good chance that there will still be some time left on the manufacturers warranty. Giving the new owner a little peace of mind, especially when you consider the cons of purchasing a rental car.
Rental car purchase cons
Anyone who has rented a car has probably heard this joke, "What's the difference between a rental car and a 4X4? A rental car can go anywhere!" It's funny when you rent a car, but when you are looking to buy a rental car suddenly it's not so funny anymore. This being the biggest con of them all, people are hard on rental cars. The rental companies have no idea what the car actually endures while in the care of the individuals it rents to. Of course they will assure you that the car was not mistreated, but again, anyone who has rented a car knows the kind of abuse they can take.
Generally the rental agencies will inspect the car upon its return to their lot to ensure that there has been no damage. However what is reported at that point is largely cosmetic, and while aesthetics are important, it's what's inside that really counts. If you are considering purchasing a rental car, be sure to take it to an outside, unaffiliated mechanic for a through inspection to ensure that the vehicle has not suffered mechanically at the hands of an thoughtless renter.
As far as cons go, the vast unknown is really the one to worry about. While cosmetic issues are important, mechanical soundness is truly the bottom line with any used car purchase.
Bottom line a good option
When purchasing a used vehicle, the rental agencies offer a viable option for purchase. Contrary to popular belief previous rental cars can be a great investment for anyone looking for a suitable used vehicle. Having access to maintenance records is a huge plus, and all things considered every vehicle they buy is the rental companies bread and butter. It is good business sense for them to keep them in tip top working order.
by Paige Filler
Rental car purchase pros
First things first, as a used buyer you know where this car is coming from. Chances are the car has been kept clean and well maintained during its life as a rental. Any rental service that sells their cars should be able to offer you maintenance records to back that up. In fact it should be insisted upon to ensure that the car has been properly cared for.
Pricing is another attractive factor if you want to purchase a rental car. Many of the cars rental agencies will offer for sale are less than a year old and have less than 25,000 miles on them. Do not be suspect when you see a newer model for sale, it does not necessarily indicate that the vehicle is problematic. Rental companies are able to purchase their vehicle at the bare minimum fleet pricing, enabling them to re-sell at very competitive prices.
Another pro is the possibility of a warranty still intact with a purchase through a rental car company. Because they generally sell them within a year of purchase and at a reasonable mileage, there is a good chance that there will still be some time left on the manufacturers warranty. Giving the new owner a little peace of mind, especially when you consider the cons of purchasing a rental car.
Rental car purchase cons
Anyone who has rented a car has probably heard this joke, "What's the difference between a rental car and a 4X4? A rental car can go anywhere!" It's funny when you rent a car, but when you are looking to buy a rental car suddenly it's not so funny anymore. This being the biggest con of them all, people are hard on rental cars. The rental companies have no idea what the car actually endures while in the care of the individuals it rents to. Of course they will assure you that the car was not mistreated, but again, anyone who has rented a car knows the kind of abuse they can take.
Generally the rental agencies will inspect the car upon its return to their lot to ensure that there has been no damage. However what is reported at that point is largely cosmetic, and while aesthetics are important, it's what's inside that really counts. If you are considering purchasing a rental car, be sure to take it to an outside, unaffiliated mechanic for a through inspection to ensure that the vehicle has not suffered mechanically at the hands of an thoughtless renter.
As far as cons go, the vast unknown is really the one to worry about. While cosmetic issues are important, mechanical soundness is truly the bottom line with any used car purchase.
Bottom line a good option
When purchasing a used vehicle, the rental agencies offer a viable option for purchase. Contrary to popular belief previous rental cars can be a great investment for anyone looking for a suitable used vehicle. Having access to maintenance records is a huge plus, and all things considered every vehicle they buy is the rental companies bread and butter. It is good business sense for them to keep them in tip top working order.
by Paige Filler
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