If you’re looking to get a great deal on a vehicle, you’ve probably already decided to buy a used car instead of a new one. After all, new cars lose a good portion of their value in the first few months after being driven on the lot, so if you’re going to spend thousands of dollars on something to get you around town, you might as well think of it as something that won’t depreciate too much in value. When you really want to get a good deal on your used car, here are five buying options to consider for first-time buyers.
Bid at an auction
One of the best ways to get an incredible deal on a used car is by bidding online at auction. Besides being able to get a much lower price than haggling with dealers, an auction may have a wider variety of options to look at than the dealership 10 minutes from where you live.
A website like Auto Auction Mall is one such car auction website that connects you with an auction specialist who will help bid for you and take all the guesswork out of getting a good deal. They may even chat with you about whether or not you’re interested in buying a vehicle from overseas and importing it. While it might sound off the beaten path, buying cars for sale in Ghana or from another location could save you a lot of money in the long run. If this is of interest to you, a business like Auto Auction Mall can help you navigate the import and export process for vehicles.
Look at private sales
Looking at private sales is another way to find used cars. Often, websites like Kelley Blue Book will help connect you with private sellers as you research different vehicles. Best of all, Kelley Blue Book offers extensive information about the value of different makes and models of cars. This can help you make a more informed decision when talking with a private seller.
Talk to your family members
Do you have a cousin or uncle that loves cars and has one too many in the driveway? Or, perhaps your grandmother or grandfather doesn’t drive so much anymore and might be willing to sell you their car? Oftentimes, dealing with a family member can be much less stressful than a stranger, so reach out to see if anyone you’re related to is looking to sell their car; you may get a great deal!
Go to a used car lot
Dealerships and used car lots are other places where you can find a cheap car. If you have a specific make or model you’re interested in purchasing, it can make a lot of sense to head to a used dealership that specializes in those sorts of vehicles. While you won’t save as much money at a dealership as you would bidding on a car during an online auction, many people like to at least take a look at and test drive used vehicles as they research their purchase. A used car lot helps you assess the condition of the car in person, so if you care about that, it’s a good idea to visit a dealer.
Check the classifieds
One other way to find private sellers is to look in the classifieds. Classified ads are often put in the newspaper, and there are a variety of websites that act as online classified ads as well. Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are both commonly-used websites in place of traditional classified ads. It’s important to leave no stone unturned when you’re looking for a great deal on a used Toyota or Volkswagen, so be sure you look at a few online classifieds pages as well as your local paper during your hunt.
