How to Buy Used Cheap Cars in Texas
The Texas Attorney General reports that buying a used car in Texas could represent a good bargain. However, Attorney General Greg Abott reported on his website in 2010 that used car buyers in the state should be willing to conduct extensive research before buying to make sure they really are getting a good deal.
Instructions
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Check local newspaper ads in Texas as well as online listings to find used cars for sale. The Texas Attorney General reports that private sellers may sell the car to you at a lower price than a dealer will.
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Exercise special care and use caution when considering buying a used car that is offered for sale on the side of a road or at a shopping center. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles reports that some cars sold this way are a part of a tactic called ""curbstoning." The Texas DMV reports that unethical dealers may be seeking to get rid of damaged or undesirable cars by parking them away from the dealership and pretending to be private sellers.
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Review suggested selling prices for used cars before buying. The Texas Attorney General reports that Texas libraries have consumer publications available that show the value of used cars. You can also use an online car valuation service offering the information for free such as Edmunds or Kelley Blue Book.
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Take the car you like for a test drive and then to a your own mechanic for an independent inspection. Don't buy the car if the dealer or seller will not allow you to do either of these things.
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Review your sales contract or sales agreement carefully if you are buying from a dealer. Texas Consumer Affairs reports that the state sued 14 Texas car dealerships in 2004 for forcing people to purchase fuel and maintenance discount coupons that they did not want.
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Tips & Warnings
You should run the Vehicle Identification Number for any car through services like Autocheck or Carfax.
