Buying A New Vehicle
Do Your Research
Find out as much
as you can about the vehicles you are considering.
- Read automotive and consumer magazines that
describe and discuss models and features.
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Visit vehicle events that showcase new models.
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Look for Web sites that feature vehicle reviews
and discussions.
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Contact a new vehicle data service for
detailed information about models that
interest you.
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Check with your local dealerships.
Before you make a final decision, you may want
to check the following vehicle sources.
Vehicle Brokers
Vehicle brokers buy vehicles in volume
from dealerships at volume rates. Brokers
may offer better prices than dealerships can.
However, brokers’ fees are always built into
the price.
Buying Services
A buying service takes competitive bids
from dealerships for the vehicle you want
and matches you with those willing to sell
it at a discounted price. Some buying
services put you in touch with the dealership.
Others negotiate for you.
Many charge for
their services — either a flat fee or a
percentage of what you save from the sticker price.
Some buying services have set or pre-negotiated
pricing with select dealers around the country.
Dealership Referral Services
These services are widely available on the
Internet. They use your geographic
information and personal preferences to
identify dealerships within their network
and near you that have the model you want.
The service sends you a referral to a dealership.
You contact the dealership and negotiate the price.
Online Manufacturers And Online Dealerships
Type the manufacturer’s name into your
Web browser and you will find its Web site.
The Web site will direct you to a local dealership
with the vehicle you want.
Online Buying Services
An online buying service matches
you with dealerships offering
the vehicle you want at a price
you want to pay. Again, some
services may only provide contact
information for a dealership.
Others negotiate price and arrange
for delivery. Services typically
are not free, but these organizations
can save you time, effort and money if
you identify what you want to buy.
Buying A Used Vehicle
Private Sellers
You can expect to pay as much as 15 percent
less for a vehicle sold by an individual than
you would pay for the same model bought from a
dealership’s used-vehicle lot.
Research information about the vehicle’s
performance and maintenance costs. If possible,
take the vehicle to your own mechanic for an
inspection before you buy. An individual
offers no warranties, guarantees or money-back promises.
Most private sellers will not accept a personal check.
However, you could get financing at your financial
institution and give the seller a cashier’s check.
You are at greater risk for buying a stolen
vehicle from an individual. Never buy a
vehicle from a photograph only.
| Ask Questions |
- Are you the original owner?
- Why are you selling it?
- Is the odometer accurate?
- Has the vehicle been in an accident?
- Is the vehicle still under warranty?
- Who has been doing the maintenance?
- Are the service records available?
- Does the vehicle need additional work?
- May I take the vehicle to my mechanic for an inspection?
- Is the price negotiable?
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| Look For Signs Of Trouble |
Inspect the vehicle during daylight hours.
- Check the ground for fluids — a clue that the
vehicle could have a leak.
- Look under the hood to inspect hoses, the radiator,
fluid levels, belts and wiring.
- Inspect the tires for wear and the body for
obvious dents, dings, cracks or rust.
- Open the trunk and inspect the spare tire.
- Look for missing equipment, torn upholstery and general cleanliness.
- Make sure that interior and exterior lights work, power
windows operate smoothly, safety belts are in good
condition and the horn works.
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New-Vehicle Dealerships
Dealerships should offer all the new vehicle
services you expect including on-site repair facilities,
financing and manufacturer guarantees.
Most manufacturers have a Certified Used Car Program,
which provides assurance that a vehicle is mechanically
sound. These “previously owned” vehicles, are reconditioned
and sold with the remaining warranties that were offered
when the vehicle was new. You can purchase an extended
warranty from the dealership. Be sure to read the fine print
to understand the terms and conditions of such warranties.
Used-Vehicle Dealerships
Used-vehicle dealerships buy their inventory
from the public, auctions and new-vehicle
dealerships. These dealerships may offer
top-quality, specialized vehicles such as
luxury, foreign or sports models at prices
that are below those you will find at new-vehicle dealerships.
Be cautious.
- Make sure that you know the reputation of each dealership.
- Avoid independent dealerships without tenure in the community.
- Contact the Better Business Bureau to determine if any complaints have been filed against the dealership.
Used-vehicle dealerships may not offer warranties and generally
do not have service departments. Make sure you have your own
mechanic examine the vehicle before you buy.
Used-Vehicle Superstores
Used-vehicle superstores offer "nearly new"
vehicles with good warranties from every major
vehicle manufacturer. You can select and compare
vehicles by model, price and other criteria
electronically. Superstores generally sell
vehicles at fixed prices, with little or no
opportunity for negotiation. Prices tend to
be higher than those at traditional dealerships.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Search
Get a vehicle-history report from CarFax or
Auto Check. These reports — available for a
nominal fee — will tell you the vehicle’s history such as whether it was:
- Damaged in a fire, flood, hailstorm or accident.
- Found to have possible odometer fraud.
- Used as a rental vehicle, taxi or police vehicle.
- Reported stolen or if a salvage title was ever issued.
- Returned under Lemon Laws.
Test Driving The Vehicle
Spend adequate time test driving each vehicle.
Find an empty parking lot and test the vehicle’s
performance in sharp turns and short stops. Drive
in stop-and-go traffic, on steep hills and rough surfaces.
Take a friend along for the ride. The opinion of
another individual who you trust can be helpful.
Use the
Test Drive Evaluation as a guide.
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Buying Your First Vehicle 
Buying Your First Vehicle
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