Choose the Right Vehicle For YOU!

It may sound like such a simple thing to say, but how many times have you been talked into buying something you later realize does not fit your needs?  We buy things all the time based on our desires and our needs.  Food, furniture, clothes, etc...  Why should a purchase second only in cost to a home be any different?  It should not.  Your choice in buying a car, truck or SUV should be carefully thought out.

Remember though, this idea goes both ways.  As the buyer, you must be honest with yourself.  With vehicles, there is almost always some compromise between what you want and what you truly need.  Do you really NEED a sports car when you have a house full of kids at home?  Of course not.  This is an extreme example of course, but realizing what your most important needs are in a vehicle is the first step in being sure you purchase the right one.

Having already fought the needs versus wants battle in your own mind, you can then go shopping for your next used vehicle with some ammunition.  A good salesman will help you use this to find the right car for you.  You will know a bad salesman when you are having to use your ammunition against him.  If you feel you are being sold the vehicle that the dealer wants you to buy, walk away.  There are plenty of used car dealerships in the sea.

Please feel free to share any stories you may have about your own experiences.  Also please add any tips you may have on this or any other used car buying topics.

Mechanics Matter

Mechanic (Photo credit: slagheap)

Yes, Mechanics DO matter.  One of the smartest things you can do when shopping for a used car is either bring a mechanic with you or ask the dealer if you can bring the vehicle you are interested in to your own mechanic to have it checked.  It is always easier for you as the buyer and for the dealership to hav
e your mechanic come with you.  However, if that isn't possible, don't ever be afraid to ask the dealer if you can have the vehicle checked out at another garage.  Now I am not saying every car you look at should be carted off to your mechanic.  That would be overdoing it and probably drive your mechanic a bit nuts.

The easiest way is to narrow your choices down to the car you really want.  Then, either bring your mechanic to check out the vehicle, or ask to have it looked at elsewhere.  If the dealer doesn't allow you to have the vehicle checked, beware!  There is probably a reason why they don't want you to.  Some dealers may want to send a representative with you to your mechanic.  That's fine, since if any issues do arise, they can be brought to the representative's attention right there without you having to pass along information from your mechanic to their's.

Take your time, decide what you want, then remember......Mechanics Matter!

Welcome!

Come on in and have a seat. (The driver's seat that is) We will be talking about all things automotive here.  From used car buying guides to what color your ash tray is and everything in between.

Please check back often for all the latest nuts and bolts for the used car buyer.