When you are looking for used cars for sale, one of the top things at the forefront of most buyer's minds is making sure that they get a fair price for a used car. You don't want to overpay for a used car; you are not getting a perfect vehicle, and you want to make sure that the pricing reflects that reality. Here are three ways to make sure that the used price is fair on the vehicle.
#1 Look Up the Price Online
Two of the most popular places to look up what a used car is worth online are Kelley Blue Book and AutoTrader. Both of these sites allow you to see the trade-in price, private seller price, and dealership price for a used car. You can even enter in specific parameters beyond make and model to get a more accurate idea of the value of the car.
The value of the car shown on these sites is a reflection of the market prices. These types of sites take into account what people are willing to pay for these vehicles in your local area and around the country. Both consumers and dealerships use this information. As a general rule of thumb, you shouldn't be asked to pay more than what these types of sites list the car at, unless the car is in mint condition.
#2 Get the Car Inspected
The value of the car is based on the condition that the car is in. That is why, when you find a used car that you really want to purchase, you should take it to an auto shop for an inspection. These inspections usually cost less than a hundred dollars, and will give you a complete rundown on the condition of the vehicle. This will let you know what type of mechanical shape the vehicle is in.
A car inspection will also allow you to determine if there is any serious mechanical damage that would need to be addressed right away. You can even get an estimate on what you would need to invest in the vehicle immediately and in the near future. This will help you determine the value of the car and determine if the car should be priced above or below the prices listed online for similar vehicles.
#3 Type of Title
Finally, the type of title that the vehicle has will help determine what it is worth as well. If the title is salvaged, damaged, or totaled, you should be able to negotiate a lower price than the average listing price for the vehicle. When a vehicle has a damaged title, you are not going to be able to carry full- overage on the vehicle with most insurance providers, which is why a car with a damaged title is valued below that of a car with a clean title.
To determine if a vehicle price is fair, look at the pricing for the vehicle online. Be sure to get the car inspected to see if the car is in good or decent mechanical shape; if the car needs major repairs, you may be able to get the dealership to drop the price. Always find out what type of title the vehicle has. If the title is not clear, the value of the vehicle should be less.