How to Buy a Cheap Car
When money is tight and you need a vehicle, finding a cheap car becomes a necessity. Having your own form of transportation is even more necessary in areas with no public transportation. There are cheap automobiles for sale in any community, but finding one that will remain reliable until you can afford a better vehicle can take a large time commitment. The most important aspect in a cheap car is not how it looks, but how well it runs.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
-
-
1
Search through trade magazines, online free classifieds, newspapers and community bulletin boards for advertisements placed by people trying to sell their vehicles.
-
2
Make notes about any vehicle that you are interested in seeing in person. Include the car make and model, advertised price and contact information in your notes.
-
3
Go look at and test drive the car. Take a mechanic with you if possible. If you do not know a mechanic personally, drive the vehicle to a trusted automotive shop.
-
4
Ask the mechanic to review the vehicle and give you an estimate on any work the vehicle needs. Request the mechanic to provide his opinion as to whether the vehicle will provide reliable transportation.
-
5
Negotiate the selling price with the vehicle's owner. Never offer the most money you are willing to pay the first time.
-
6
Pay the owner for the car as he signs the title over to you. Giving an unscrupulous person money before you receive the title, could result in you never receiving the title.
-
7
Register the vehicle in your name within your state. If you are required to have it inspected based upon your state's laws, complete the inspection timely.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Police auctions often have inexpensive cars, but you are unable to test drive them or have them inspected. Auction vehicles sell as is, with no hope of getting your money back if you find something wrong with the vehicle. Never purchase a vehicle sight unseen.
