OK so my husband got a new job with security systems.  It is not glamourous nor what we expected but it pays decent and is consistent.  The issue now is that we need to get a beater car.  Let me explain when I say a beater car I mean exactly that.  I want a no frills, just runs car.  Is a dealer worth the headache?

Frankly the car dealers around here want more in taxes and dealer fees than I am looking for in the whole car.  Now if you are looking to buy a new car by all means a dealer maybe the way to go…  I have not bought a "new" car in over 10 years…  "new" for me yes, "new" no.  So if you are looking for a "new" used car, here are the tips I have found useful.

1.        Craigslist is your friend.  Ebay not so much unless you find some close but most seem to post on Craigslist because it is free. 

2.       Don't be afraid to low ball.  Yes you will get more "no's" this way, but who cares?!?!  Most of these people don't even have their real email listed anyway and if it really bothers you that they may know you, make up a free google or yahoo email just for the occasion.  Put out super low offers and see what happens, then go again with a little higher if nothing looks promising.

3.       Make a template email to use when sending out.  This saves your little fingers from typing their hearts out.

4.       ALWAYS have the car inspected by a mechanic that YOU know prior to buying anything.  This is probably the MOST important advice I can give.  Even if you buy "new new" from a dealer, still have YOUR mechanic check it out.  (If you don't have a mechanic, find one in your local area.)

Over all if you do these things you can generally find a pretty good car at a pretty good rate.  I love to check out the ads that I see, just to compare what "deals" they have compared to Joe Blow on the street who just wants to get rid of his old junker.  Or maybe Suzie isn't a convertible girl anymore, I went from an Eclipse Spyder to a Toyota Camry and now I am in a Nissan Pathfinder…  The urban Mom's mini van!

Overall take your time, someone out there needs to sell their car as much as you want to buy one.  Usually more.  They list not expecting to get the full price but if they get even close the everyone walks away happy.  I know it has worked wonders for us the past 4 cars we have bought!