How to Buy Used Cars Online (With Confidence)

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Pick Your Car

DETERMINE THE MAKE AND MODEL CAR YOU ARE IN THE MARKET TO BUY.

If you want to buy a car online, you need to guard against getting 'sucked' into a 'deal' that you never started shopping for. So, before you go to a used car website, go to a customer review website. Then as you drive around, notice cars. See what grabs your eye and attention. Then read the reviews.
Step 2

VISIT A BRICK AND MORTAR USED CAR DEALER BEFORE YOU BUY A CAR ONLINE.

You aren't in the market yet to buy car online or anywhere else. Tell someone you know who can come with you that you are NOT going to buy a car no matter what happens today. Then go into local Eddie's dealership and ask if you can take the make and model you are looking at for a drive.

If you like it, then you know you have a car make and model that fits you. Don't buy a car online that you have never tested to see if it even fits you! It's amazing how a car looks tall, until you try and fit a six foot frame into it. Some cars look really comfortable, until you feel that design flaw pushing into your back.
Step 3

Trusted Used Car Value

GO TO EDMUNDS.COM OR KBB.COM (BLUE BOOK) AND GET THE FAIR PRIVATE PARTY SALE VALUE.

The private party value is what you care about on this auto car thingy. That is what you can sell it for if you had to turn it right back around, right now, and sell it to someone who is buying used cars. Don't buy a car for more than you can sell it for later. Read that last sentence again. Aw, why not? I will write it again: Do not buy a car for more than you can sell it for later.
Step 4

NOW HIT THE 'BUY A CAR ONLINE' SITES THAT SELL USED CARS.

Carmax.com, craigslist, yahoo autos, and ebay are usually the ones people turn to for used cars online. You can trust these sites, not necessarily the cars or the sellers. Cars.com also has some nice features. You can search specifically for a 'factory certified' used car. That means the car has been looked over, necessary repairs are made, and it comes with a warranty.

Unless you know the reputation of the dealer, or are willing to take a financial risk on a lemon car, I would go for the factory certified car if you can get one.

What would I do you ask? (Even if you didn't...) I look for a car that is enough under value that if there are significant repairs I still come out okay. I can get a lot fixed for a few thousand dollars.
Step 5

DOUBLE CHECK THE VALUE OF *THIS* USED CAR ONLINE.

Before you get all excited about the sticker price, go to kbb.com or edmunds again. Put in all of the specs on your possible used car. Miles make a huge difference you know. Specifications, custom items, etc. all add or take away. Can you sell THIS car for more than what you are buying it for in your area tomorrow? If not, walk away. If you can, keep thinking about it. Be sure to check the tips and warnings below.
Step 6

PERFORM A CARFAX OR OTHER VIN NUMBER SEARCH ON THE VEHICLE.

You have to do this. I know I am repeating myself, but you have to do this. Pay for it, it will save you time, energy, frustration, and a lot of money when you try to sell it. If you buy a vehicle that used to be in New Orleans or in Louisiana around the time of Katrina....watch out. Flooded cars are bad news. Electronics slowly short out causing major hassles. You don't want a recently banged up car either, steer away from wrecks.

Most of all, you don't want to buy a used car online that is already sold and doesn't exist. This is the best way to catch a scammer who has ripped off a VIN number. Check the vehicle history. If it was just recently sold, walk away.
Step 7

NOW PAY FOR YOUR USED CAR ONLINE WITH A SMILE.

If you did your research (on vlane.com or wherever) and know it is a good car. You drove one like it and liked the feel. You researched prices and values online and know what the car could sell for if you sold it today. You double checked its VIN number, accident history, and ownership. Make sure you check the tips and warnings below!

Now you can buy this used car with confidence online. Probably more confidence than if you walked into Eddie's shop and borrowed it tomorrow.

So bid a lower price if you are on ebay. Talk the person down on craigslist. Or just give them what they are asking for and go pick it up. Steer away from buying a car you have to ship. I would rather fly out and pick the thing up myself instead of wondering if the car is ever going to show. You make that call on that one. For me, there is usually plenty of low hanging used fruit within a couple hour's drive.

Comments

watersong said

on 8/27/2009 Wonderful! I wish I could rate it higher than five. I really enjoy reading your articles. This one is going into my favorites for future reference. 5*

on 8/27/2009 Dave, you've done it again !!! Another very informative article. My nephew has bought several cars/trucks on-line while he was in Iraq. He just had he mom go pick them up for him. He actually bought a house the same way !! Good job !!! 5*