There are many ways to search used car specials. You can use the Internet to find second hand cars, because even websites like Gumtree have owners selling their vehicles.
It doesn’t matter where in South Africa you live, because Gumtree is available across the country. Other options that you could use are the Autotrader that you can pick up from any newsstand, or even find them online.
There is no need to walk into a car dealership and buy a brand new car. You will also find a McCarthy Call a Car on the Internet that will be able to help you find the perfect new car or even a great second hand car.
People who are thinking about buying another used car are sometimes confused as to where and how to start looking for one. If you are considering getting another used vehicle to replace your current one, and do not know how to go about it, then you should find the following 5 tips to finding used car specials very helpful.
Not only will this information help you to find the car that suits your specific needs, but will also more than likely, help you to find a car at a really good price too.
5 Tips to Finding Used Car Specials
Tip #1. Be real in your expectations
There is no doubt that you will find many used cars in a low price range, but your chances of finding the car of your dreams this way, are zero.
Maybe you have got a specific car in mind that you would really like to own, such as a late model sports car, but don’t even waste your time looking, because you will not find one. Most of the vehicles in this price range will probably be over ten years old, with plenty of work that needs to be done.
When you have limited finances, then you need to get your priorities straight when you are looking for a used car. In other words, think more along the lines of what you need in a vehicle, instead of what you want.
Tip #2. Check out every possible resource
When you are looking around for a used car, remember that the resources for finding used vehicles is plentiful, and use them all. Visit all the dealerships in your area, check the classifieds section in your local newspaper, and have a look at trader publications as well.
When you have a moment search used car specials on the Internet and find vehicles that will make things a little easier for you and also save you money.
If you have not yet had the chance to browse through an Autotrader, you should take the time, because there are dozens of cars and there is bound to be one you will settle with.
The internet has many websites to find vehicles and McCarthy Call a Car and Gumtree are among the most popular.
Tip #3. Never purchase a used car without testing it first
Perhaps you are lucky, and have found just the car that you are looking for, at a price that fits in perfectly with your budget, but do not simply pay for the car and sign on the dotted line.
Even if the car looks great, tell the seller that you would like to take it for a test drive. Doing some town driving, and some on a long country road too, if possible, will give you lots of very useful information as to whether you are buying the right car.
You can check how the car behaves while you are driving at a speed, during stop-go traffic, and also while it is idling. Obviously, it is a used car, so it will not feel like a brand-new car, but it should give you the feeling that it is reliable.
In addition to the test drive, you should check too, that everything important works properly, like the lights, the wipers, the indicators, A/C, and so forth, as these are the things that you could get a ticket for, if they are not working as they should be.
Tip #4. Pay for an inspection
If you find a car that you like, then you should consider spending a little extra money to pay a qualified mechanic to do a full inspection of the vehicle.
This service will not cost you a fortune, and the mechanic will pick up any past problems, and those as well, that might start in the future. This inspection will give you an idea as to how much money you will have to invest in the car, in order to keep it road worthy.
Should the seller of the vehicle refuse the inspection, then don’t purchase the vehicle, and rather look elsewhere.
Tip #5. Learn how to negotiate
If you are buying from a private person, then take advantage of the fact that he or she might need the money desperately, or that the car is taking up valuable space in his or her back yard, and try to get them to lower the price.
Should the used car that you are interested in be from a dealership, then remember that he has stiff competition, and might be more than happy to lower the price, rather than lose the sale altogether.
Bonus Tip
Before you rush out to a car dealership, see what cars are available on the Internet and see what good deals you will be able to find before taking any other routes.
Searching the Web makes things much easier and it also makes purchasing a vehicle easier. Make an appointment with the owner of the vehicle and then go and view it. Make sure you know a bit about cars so that you know how to look for faults.
If you do not know much about cars, have a friend or your mechanic accompany you. Allow the mechanic to inspect the vehicle while you speak to the owner. Use these tips when you want to search for specials on second hand cars.