The 8 Biggest Mistakes – #5

Buying a used car can be one of the most stressful things that you’ll do this year. Yet, here are specific steps to:

• make the buying process easier
• ensure you get more than a good deal
• find a vehicle that will last you for years to come

I have compiled a list of the most common mistakes my customers have made when buying used cars. Making any one of these mistakes can cost you hundreds – even thousands of dollars more than necessary. Finally, you can get ahead of the learning curve and buy your next car with confidence.

Mistake #1 – Not test driving early in the buying process.

Mistake #2 – Not checking the CARFAX report.

Mistake #3 – Not looking at the vehicle inspection report.

Mistake #4 – Ignoring fuel consumption.

Mistake #5 – Ignoring Certified cars (CPOs) or extended warranties.

View my YouTube video, “How Can I Sell Used Cars to my Friends and They Won’t Hate Me Afterwards?” to see how my friends and I have remained friends after they purchased pre-owned vehicles from me. It’s a pretty simple formula – I first make sure that our cars are checked out mechanically, and then I try to make some form of warranty available so my friends are protected when problems occur. Here are some different scenarios:

• My mechanics have fully checked out every pre-owned vehicle before it is offered for sale, and every major component of every car has past muster. Then:

My friends buy a vehicle with remaining original factory warranty.

My friends buy a Ford Certified Pre-owned vehicle (CPO). These cars not only meet a higher standard, but Ford significantly extends the warranty at no extra charge.

My friends buy a Stead Certified Pre-owned Vehicle Package w/Warranty Wrap. This pre-owned vehicle meets a higher standard AND comes with an extended warranty. 

My friends buy an extended service contract to cover any future mechanical problems.

By following these steps I know that my friends won’t be mad after they purchase a pre-owned vehicle from me.

INSIDER INFORMATION - Cars, trucks, and SUVs have thousands of moving parts. It is unreasonable to believe that they won’t break down. No matter how well a vehicle is checked out by a mechanic, or looked after by it’s owner, problems will eventually arise. One of the reasons that I work where I do is the Ford Certified Used Car program – it is one of the best in the industry. I also work for the Stead Automotive Group, which demands that every pre-owned vehicle meets a higher standard, and we have the vehicle inspection and history reports to prove it.

Did you know that part of the requirements of the Ford Certified Used Car program and the Stead Automotive Group is to replace tires or brakes if 50-percent of their life isn’t remaining? Vehicles must also pass a minimum 150-point inspection by our mechanics.

Certified programs and extended warranties can get complicated – even confusing – especially when comparing one manufacturer’s program to another. Need help? I have a special CERTIFIED section on my website that will answer most of your questions. it also compares the many manufacturer’s CPO programs with the Stead Certified Pre-owned Vehicle Package w/Warranty Wrap. The Stead CPO package can often save you money while providing a more comprehensive warranty when compared to most manufacturer CPO programs. It’s a win-win situation for my customers. I’m also happy to answer any questions that you may have. Email them to james@BayAreaCarGuy.com

See the next article in the series:

Mistake #6 – Don’t comparison shop.