How to Buy a Used Car - standard version

Car dealers are experts when it comes to squeezing every last dime from their customers.

They attend seminars on buyer psychology to learn exactly what to say to make a sale. They hire ﬁnance consultants who explain how to ﬁnagle contracts so that even if they give you a bargain in one area, they’re able to gouge you somewhere else and still make a very attractive proﬁt.

This is their business and they are very, very good at it. In short, car dealers are ready for you. Are you ready for them?

Some dealers are good corporate citizens, but sadly, there are many others who won’t hesitate to stick you with a rebuilt wreck, a truck with ﬂood damage, or a car that a manufacturer was forced to buy back because it was defective. These vehicles may endanger your safety and lead to huge repair bills down the road.

But even if you avoid one of these truly awful vehicles, how do you improve your odds of getting a good car that really meets your needs? How do you know if the price is reasonable? How do you get a good loan?

Read on.