| Purchasing a used car means you have to be ready | | | | 3. Have the Car Inspected |
| to not only hunt down a good deal, but also spot a | | | | Unless it is certified by the manufacturer, you should |
| bad one. When pricing a used car, a variety of | | | | have any used car you plan to purchase inspected by |
| factors come into consideration from the make and | | | | a certified, third-party mechanic. His independent |
| model to the mileage and condition of the vehicle. | | | | assessment of the vehicle can help you obtain a |
| To protect yourself as a consumer, keep reading to | | | | clearer picture of the car's actual worth. Additionally, |
| learn how to determine the value of a used car. | | | | a good mechanic may also spot flaws or prior |
| 1. Start with the Book | | | | damage that has been repaired or simply hidden and |
| The first place you should look to determine the | | | | which a car novice might otherwise miss. |
| value of a used car is either the Kelley Blue Book or | | | | You can either request the vehicle be brought to a |
| the NADA Guide. Both of these websites offer | | | | nearby mechanic for assessment before you |
| estimated values for vehicles based on their make, | | | | purchase it or even bring a mechanic with you. |
| model, year, mileage, condition, geographical region of | | | | 4. The Higher the Mileage, the Older the Car and the |
| sale and how they're being sold. For example, the | | | | Lower the Value |
| trade-in vehicle for a car is almost always much less | | | | Typically a car with higher mileage and more years |
| than if the car were sold privately. | | | | under its belt is going to be cheaper. Unless you're |
| While the Blue Book and the NADA Guide are by no | | | | dealing with a vintage collectible, age is never going |
| means indicators carved in stone, they can offer | | | | to be a plus when determining the value of a car. |
| insight into the general value of the vehicle. And since | | | | Many cars also have a timing belt or chain that should |
| many individuals and businesses lean on the | | | | be replaced about every 100,000 miles. If the car |
| information in these guides, you will benefit from | | | | you are considering is at or above that total distance, |
| doing the same. | | | | be sure to ask whether the belt has indeed been |
| 2. Price Other Comparable Vehicles | | | | replaced since the out-of-pocket expense that would |
| Before you jump on a particular sale, price out other | | | | fall on you to do so may range from an additional |
| similar vehicles in your area. Let's say you're | | | | $500-1000. |
| purchasing a used 2004 Toyota Camry, but you're | | | | 5. Examine the Condition of the Car |
| not sure how the price measures up. Try searching | | | | While it's fairly easy to clean up a car or have it |
| through your area's classified ads, either online or | | | | detailed, how well the car has been maintained, both |
| offline, for other 2004 Toyota Camry's with similar | | | | inside and out, should have some impact on your |
| mileage listings. | | | | valuation of the vehicle. Keep your eyes out for |
| By understanding what else is available in the market, | | | | stains, odors, burn marks, leaking fluids, dirty fluids, |
| you'll have a clearer idea about a reasonable price and | | | | and other indicators that the vehicle may not have |
| the actual value of your used car. | | | | received adequate care. |