How to Buy a Used Car On the Internet

Make yourself comfortable! Now you will start to research your dream car on the Internet by finding local car dealerships and private party sellers. If you are comfortable you can go to craigslist or eBay for starters, they will give you corner lot or smaller dealer information.

Print out the cars you are interested in or keep a notebook handy with pricing, mileage and of course, the used car dealership and information.

Fill out the Internet quote form on the dealer website if you are purchasing your used vehicle from them. Be sure to specify options you are looking for or if you will consider similar makes, models or mileage.

Pull the carfax report on the car. This is located on the dealer website and is normally free of charge. This will tell you if there are title problems, if the car was maintained, how many owners, and odometer readings or problems.

Have a mechanic check the car over in person if you are purchasing the car from a private party or even a dealer. If you are not in the general area, hire a mechanic over the phone and pay via credit card. This will be at your own expense but can save hundreds later.

Consider joining Sam's club and looking online on their website for used car dealers in your area. You may get better service and a substantial discount. There are limited dealers in the area.

Look for your used car quote via phone or email. Once you receive it and are interested, set a day aside to go visit some used car dealers.

Bring in the blue book values, specifications, consumer reports print out, and any other information you have on the car. If you are looking at a car that you did not research, ask to use the computer at the dealership.

Research different insurance companies by going to http://www.allaccessquote.com to see what it is going to cost to insure your used car. Follow up with a phone call and the VIN number once you decide to purchase.

Leave your checkbook or credit card at home because you will be less tempted and pressured to buy a car, perhaps, that you really do not want or cannot afford.

Negotiate a fair value for your trade using the information you gathered on the blue book websites. It helps to have a printout with you. If you want to sell your car, you can skip this step and tell them you do not have a trade.

Use online calculators to find out exactly what you will be paying for your used car. This is especially true if you are financing the vehicle. Use the same websites in step one to compute actual car cost and value with the features you want. This is sometimes tricky for cars with more than three models.

Arrange financing with your credit union or a local bank. Research interest rates online and follow up with a phone call. Often times the low financing rates that used car dealers advertise are really much higher or only for a good or excellent credit score. You do not need to tell the dealer you have done this.

Negotiate extras such as oil changes or satellite radio with the dealer and try to go a few thousand under the sticker price for starters.

Read the entire document before signing the used car agreement and know what you are paying for the car, not just the monthly lease or loan payment.