How to Work With a Used Car Broker

Used car brokers save time and frustration, but you lose some control over your search.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Kelley Blue Book
• Consumer Reports
• Car Insurance
• Car Loans
• Cars
• Credit Cards And Loans
• Used-car Quote Requests

1. Contact several brokers. Brokers are agents who search for a car for you, negotiate and help set up financing.
2. Describe the type of car you want. Be specific. Include a budget.
3. Ask about fees and brokerage charges, if any.
4. Move on to another broker if asked to pay anything up front.
5. When you've found a broker who listens carefully to your specifications, go to his or her office and review any paperwork.
6. Wait.
7. Test-drive the car when the broker finds one.
8. Decide if you want the car, inform the broker and, with the broker, take part in negotiating the purchase price.
9. Pay any fee and drive off in your car.

Tips & Warnings

• Many brokers are paid by the car dealership, not by the buyer. While this is cheaper, it also means the broker works for the seller, not for you.
• Try not to pay any money to the broker up front. It may be a scam.