What is your best car shopping/buying tip?

1. 60

   Shariceyposted 10 years ago

   What is your best car shopping/buying tip?
   
   I just had an "aha" moment this weekend about my used 99 Nissan Altima that I bought a little over three years ago. I realized that my car had water damage and possibly had been sitting in water before being sold to unsuspecting me. It literally took me three years to realize this and when I did it all made sense. Prior to when I bought it there was massive flooding issues through out the state ( and North East for that matter). Boy do I feel like an idiot. So my tip is inspect for moisture, rust in the car and under the car, brown blotches on the upholstery or carpets and get a carfax report.

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2. 81

   dashingscorpioposted 10 years ago

   If at all possible always buy a new car if you can afford it and research online with something like edmonds.com to get an idea of what prices you shoud expect to pay. I've had better luck with Japanese cars however more and more of them are starting to be assembled in America where the motto is: "That's good enough!" lol

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3. 72

   EJ Lambertposted 10 years ago

   If there was something I've learned watching others do it for year it would be to not do it alone, always go with a partner who is experienced at it and also don't stick to one dealership.  Don't be afraid to compare and contrast.  You never know what deals you might find.

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4. 62

   krisaclarkposted 10 years ago

   I actually recently did a Hub about purchasing a used car. Definitely do the cosmetic search for any issues like rust or water damage as you mentioned. Take it for a test drive and make sure every single button works and does what it is supposed to do. My number one piece of advice though (and my personal opinion), is always buy pre-owned. If you want something new go to the dealership and ask for something that is 2-3 years old, you can get good deals on previously leased vehicles and they will have low mileage still. It's just not worth it to me to pay thousands extra for a brand new car and have it lose a huge chunk of it's value the second you drive off the lot.

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   1. 60

      Shariceyposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Great advice. Im planning on buying certified pre owned this time.

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   2. 62

      krisaclarkposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      There you go, any model jump out at you yet?

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