: Holidays or the end of the month, quarter, or year are often good times to find motivated sellers.
: Always hire a trusted, independent mechanic to check a used vehicle before buying. If a seller refuses an inspection, consider it a major red flag.
ABC News offers a variety of car-buying tips focusing on negotiation strategies, budgeting, and inspection to help shoppers avoid common pitfalls like overpaying or taking on unmanageable debt.
: Reference resources like Edmunds or Kelley Blue Book to determine the True Market Value (TMV) and invoice price before visiting a dealer. Budgeting and Financing
: Former dealership professionals suggest negotiating over the phone to keep the decision analytical. It is much easier to hang up when a dealer "plays games" than it is to walk away when sitting in front of someone.
: This is a buyer's most powerful tool. Dealers want your money and often hate the idea of a competitor getting the sale.
: Request a vehicle history report and check the VIN at safecar.gov for open recalls or title issues.
: Experts recommend putting 20% down , limiting the loan term to 4 years , and keeping total vehicle expenses under 10% of your monthly income .
: Holidays or the end of the month, quarter, or year are often good times to find motivated sellers.
: Always hire a trusted, independent mechanic to check a used vehicle before buying. If a seller refuses an inspection, consider it a major red flag.
ABC News offers a variety of car-buying tips focusing on negotiation strategies, budgeting, and inspection to help shoppers avoid common pitfalls like overpaying or taking on unmanageable debt.
: Reference resources like Edmunds or Kelley Blue Book to determine the True Market Value (TMV) and invoice price before visiting a dealer. Budgeting and Financing
: Former dealership professionals suggest negotiating over the phone to keep the decision analytical. It is much easier to hang up when a dealer "plays games" than it is to walk away when sitting in front of someone.
: This is a buyer's most powerful tool. Dealers want your money and often hate the idea of a competitor getting the sale.
: Request a vehicle history report and check the VIN at safecar.gov for open recalls or title issues.
: Experts recommend putting 20% down , limiting the loan term to 4 years , and keeping total vehicle expenses under 10% of your monthly income .
