The 8 Biggest Mistakes – #8
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.
Mistake #6 – Don’t comparison shop.
Mistake #7 – Not buying from a reputable dealer.
Mistake #8 – Not following your intuition.
I find it amazing how my customers blurt out their previous car buying experiences – including all the mistakes they have made. Here are a few examples:
STORY #1 – Denzel C. told me that he knew as he was driving the car away from the seller’s house that he had made a mistake. His intuition was confirmed a short time later when he discovered that the car he just bought had been in a serious accident which damaged the frame. He wished he had not over-ruled his gut feeling. He also told me that from now on he would have his mechanic check out all private sales vehicles that made his short list.
STORY #2 – Ahmed S. told me that didn’t trust his last sales person, but bought the car anyway. It turned out that the sales person wasn’t telling him the whole truth about the car’s history. Ahmed told me that he now listens to his intuition in those situations. He also learned to read the vehicle history report before signing on the dotted line.
Life’s Lessons:
- research all the factors that concern you
- test drive early in the process
- read the vehicle history and vehicle inspection reports
- ask yourself, “Is this the car for me?”
- listen to the answer – your intuition
- if you are really sure – take action
- always contact me if you have questions
Good luck, and for goodness sake, try to have fun in your car buying experience.
L. James Johnson Internet Sales Manager james@BayAreaCarGuy.com www.BayAreaCarGuy.com
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