Tips for buying a used car?

[rb67]

Hi, so I'm considering buying either an RX-8 used (~$20K) in about two months. I am most likely to buy from a dealership. What tips do you have for buying used cars in general? Mainly, things I should be careful of, ways to bargain for the best deal, etc.

I plan on compiling a database on a spreadsheet of cars around a 150 mile radius to serve as ammunition for dealing with the salesman. I'm in no rush and can wait up to 3 weeks so that should help also.

 

[pne]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rb67 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hi, so I'm considering buying either an RX-8 used (~$20K) in about two months. I am most likely to buy from a dealership. What tips do you have for buying used cars in general? Mainly, things I should be careful of, ways to bargain for the best deal, etc. I plan on compiling a database on a spreadsheet of cars around a 150 mile radius to serve as ammunition for dealing with the salesman. I'm in no rush and can wait up to 3 weeks so that should help also.

personally i would only buy a car with complete service record history. If the owner cared enough to keep the oil change receipts then thats good enough for me. If you don't buy from a dealership make sure you bring it in for an inspection.

 

[Electro Point]

I would run a carfax check on it and see what has happened (if anything) to it in the past before buying.

 

[SayNoToPistons]

YOu didn't visit rx8club like i told you to, did you?

 

[rb67]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SayNoToPistons /img/forum/go_quote.gif YOu didn't visit rx8club like i told you to, did you?

I certainly did

Thanks. That's what made me choose the rx-8 over anything else. I've been reading up quite a bit there too. I was just wondering if anyone had good ideas about buying used cars in general.

 

[rb67]

oh, one quick question, how much should i be expected to spend in relation to KBB?

 

[Dimitris]

I dont think I would ever buy a used sports car. I am always afraid about what the last owner did to it. I have been quite aggressive with mine so I am talking from experience.

 

[Uncle Erik]

Have an independent Mazda shop check out the engine. You *don't* want to blow a seal or buy one that did and was repaired poorly. Also, I'd never buy one that had a bunch of aftermarket performance stuff on it. That's a guarantee that it's been driven hard.

For negotiation, get all the prices you can from KBB and Edmunds, then drive a hard bargain for anything over retail. Generally, a dealer wants a 4%-5% profit, so figure that in. It is fair for them to get a profit, but make sure it's fair. Also, be careful with the financing if you're not paying cash. It helps to line it up before you set foot on the lot.

 

[KYTGuy]

Ask to drive several examples. Listen. Feel. Then narrow it down to "The One".

Drive it for at least one entire day - put in at least a Hundred miles on the freeway, and use it in traffic. Test it at as high a speed as you are comfortable. Start it cold. Start it hot. Test the brakes. Check it out with a COMPETENT mechanic, if you have no knowledge in that area. Open every door, hood, tailgate, fuel door, console, operate EVERYTHING. Go under the car while it is on a lift. Have your mechanic look for reserve in all the alignment adjustments, and make sure it is fully aligned (all four wheels/thrust angles/Chassis). Look at the tires and their wear pattern. Hopefully your mechanic will look at it all. There are literally hundreds of things to look at.

Insist that you have a reasonable amount of time to return the car - a week is good, two is better. Have the checks done.