Are you in the market for a used car? If you are, have you ever thought about attending a used car auction? Although used car auctions are a great way to get affordable vehicles, it is as if they are a well-kept secret. It is time that you familiarize yourself with this well-kept secret, as it a great way for you to save money.
When it comes to used car auctions, many individuals do not even know that there is such a thing. Those who are somewhat familiar with used car auctions often associate the cars available for bidding as cheap, low-quality vehicles; like junk. Of course, you may run into a few less than perfect vehicles at a used car auction, for the most part, you may be surprised with just how many quality vehicles you can purchase. That is why you should attend a used car auction.
Speaking of attending a used car auction, there are many individuals who mistakenly believe that they must buy something at an auction that they attend. This is not how a used car auction works. While different used car auctions are operated in different ways, you and other bidders have the opportunity to bid on any used vehicles that you would be interested in owning. Should you not find a used vehicle that meets your interests, you do not have to place a bid. In fact, many auction attendees are actually just there for viewing. If you are unsure as to whether or not you should buy a used car from a used car auction, you may want to think about attending one just to see how the process works.
Another one of the many reasons why you should at least think about buying a used car from a used car auction is because of the auctions that you have to choose from. No matter where you live, you should be able to find at least a few used car auctions to attend. While you can attend any used car auction that you would like, you may want to take the time to find the perfect one. This will increase your chances of walking away with an affordable used car. Many used car buyers have seen success with auctions that are open to the public, ones that are free to attend, or ones where you are able to inspect all vehicles before placing a bid.
As previously mentioned, you may actually be surprised with the type of vehicles that you are able to find for sale at a used car auction. Unfortunately, many individuals mistakenly believe that only vehicles that were unable to sell outright, by the owner or a by a dealership, are placed into used car auctions. Yes, it is true that some of these vehicles may make their way into a used car auction, but those are not the only types of used cars that can be found at a used car auction. You should know that many used car auction houses or companies have a program is known as a consignment program.
A consignment program is where a used car auction house or company assists a car owner with the selling of their vehicle, for a reasonable fee. Instead of spending time fielding calls from potential buyers and spending time on marketing, many car owners now choose just to let a used car auction house or company do the work for them. What does this mean for you? It means that you could get a like-new vehicle for half of its value at a used car auction. In all honesty, you never really know what types of vehicles you can find at a used car auction. That is why it is advised that you at least think about attending one.
If you are interested in attending a used car auction and you live in or around the Chicago area, or are willing to travel to the area, you may want to checkout North Shore Auto Auction. By visiting their online website, which is located at www.publicautoauctionnst.com, you can find updated information on upcoming auctions, as well as the vehicles that will be available for bidding in those auctions.



December 28, 2009

It is a fact of life that many people need adequate forms of transportation to commute to and from their jobs. If you are like most people, your car is one of the largest expenses you will have next to your house. In all the research I’ve done on personal finance, how you go about purchasing an automobile can have a large impact on your credit and financial picture. If you go about purchasing a car the wrong way, it can put you in a financial strain which will be difficult to recover from.

Can You Afford It?

As of this writing, the average American makes about $33,000 per year. Most brand new cars cost well over $12,000. This means that the cost of a brand new automobile makes up a large percentage of the annual income made by most Americans each year. Most people cannot afford to pay $14,000 up front for a brand new car, so many choose to get car loans. When you take into consideration the interest that must be paid, it can take as long as 7 years for the average worker to pay off this loan. At the same time, the car will depreciate in value, and will be worth very little once it is paid off compared to its original value.

Job Security

It is also important to remember that most people don’t keep their jobs for seven years. Many people, especially those that are young adults, may work multiple jobs within a single year. This shows a lack of stability, and it is easy to get into a financial strain if the economy suddenly experiences a downturn and jobs become harder to find. It is for this reason that you should avoid car loans and consider buying used vehicles instead. There are many advantages to buying a used car instead of a new one.

Benefits of Getting Used

Used cars tend to be much cheaper than brand new cars. Because of this they are easier to save money for. They will often be sold by private owners instead of a company, and the owner is likely to be much more flexible. You save money because you are purchasing a car at a wholesale price. Unlike a car loan, you won’t have to pay interest when purchasing a used car. At the same time, there are some disadvantages to buying a used car. Used cars will often have a large number of miles on them, and are much more likely to breakdown faster than new cars. This could leave you having to make costly repairs.

Can’t Addon

Used cars don’t have the options that you will get with new cars. The color and other accessories can’t be chosen, and what you see is what you get. While there is little you can do about this, you can have a mechanic check the used car prior to buying it to make sure there are no mechanical problems. If the transmission goes out, it could cost you well over $1000 to get it fixed, and this could put you into a financial strain. You should buy quality used cars from companies which have a reputation for making good vehicles.

Pay the True Value, Not What You Are Told

You should also check the bluebook value on any used car you’re interested in to make sure the price the owner is asking isn’t to high. If the bluebook value on a specific car is $3,000, don’t buy it from an owner who asks for $4000 unless there is a good reason to do so. Car loans should be avoided at all costs unless you have a stable job, a high income, or a large amount of savings.



December 25, 2009

Getting started with used cars does not require a mortgage or a student loan, but it is not free either. Buying used cars costs money. That is why it is extremely important to know all the possible factors that might lead the buyer into buying a used car that is suspect. In reality, it is easy for the buyer to get carried away by convincing sales pitches, special offers, fantastic deals, magnificent bundles, freebies, and the like. However, it would take a really smart buyer to get the best deal when it comes to used cars. Hence, it is equally important to know the basic factors that need to be considered before the buyer decides on a particular used car, especially if the car will be bought directly from the owner. Here are some tips that might help those who are planning to buy a used car from its owner. 1. When buying cars from the owner, the buyer should ask the seller for the “vehicle registration document” or the so-called V5. Through this document, the buyer will be able to know the full details of the car’s ownership like the name of the owner, the address, and other identity details. 2. If in case the V5 is with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency or the DVLA, as told by the owner, the buyer should verify the reason. If it is due to recording purposes where the change of ownership shall be recorded, the seller should have a green slip that is to be presented to the buyer in exchange of the V5. 3. It is best for the buyer to ask the seller to see the insurance policy for the vehicle. If the seller cannot produce the document, it would be better not to buy the used car because there is a high probability that he is not the real owner or that there is something fraudulent with the transaction. 4. It is important to check if the identification details stipulated in the V5 is the same as that written in the driver’s license. The address and the name should be the same on the two most important documents. Other wise, it would be better not to pursue on buying the car if there is doubt on the details. These things should never be taken for granted because if any of the conditions mentioned is present, there is a great chance that the car is stolen. Therefore, it’s better not to take any risk.



December 25, 2009

Why you should buy a used car. You know it is time to buy a replacement for your vehicle. Repair bills are looming on the horizon or eating into your checking account. Every time you turn around something seems to be going wrong – both large and small annoyances make driving an ongoing hassle. Once you have made the decision to go car shopping, the first question you must face is whether to go new or used. Here are three reasons you should buy a used car.
The top reason to buy a used car is that new cars are a losing proposition. New cars depreciate fast. Did you know that as soon as you drive a new car off a dealer lot it will instantly depreciate between $1,000$2,000. After the first three years most cars are worth only about 60-70 percent of their original value. However if you buy an used car then you will have to pay a lot less for a nice car and you will not have to worry about that depreciation.
Once upon a time buying an used car was a risky proposition. There was a good chance you could buy a lemon or a car that had been used and abused or even been in an accident. Today the savvy consumer does not have to face these risks which leads to the second reason for buying an used car. It is safer (and less risky) than it has ever been before. Many reputable dealers offer one-owner vehicles that are still on warranty so that takes some risk out of the equation, but in addition today there are many research tools available on the internet to help you learn about the reputation and performance history for the particular vehicle model you are considering plus you can even run the vehicle identification numbers to determine if a specific vehicle has been in an accident. It is probably a lot less risky to buy an used car than a new unproven vehicle that might turn out to be a lemon. You can also get a pretty accurate value for a vehicle so you know how much you should pay.
Finally, buying an used car takes a lot of the stress out of new car ownership while still letting you enjoy the benefits of a new vehicle. Dealers will give a vehicle a turnout so it will have that new car smell, but because you do not have to worry about the price you paid you can sit back and enjoy your new-to-you vehicle without worrying about tempting fate. Plus, many dealers have more room to deal on an used car than they often do with a new car so you have more bargaining power.
So if you are looking to buy a car then you should consider buying an used car because it will save you money, it is safer than ever before, and it is less stressful.



Are you in the market for a new used car? If you are, have you ever thought about attending an auto auction? Each year, a relatively large number of individuals walk away with a quality used car from an auto auction and now you may want to think about doing the same.
Although it is nice to know that many have had success with auto auctions in the past, you may be wondering whether attending an auto auction is worth your time. To determine whether or not one is, you may want to think about examining the pros and cons of buying a used car from an auto auction. A few auto auction pros and cons are briefly touched on below.
Perhaps, the biggest pro or plus side to buying a used car from an auto auction is the price. Auto auctions are well-known for their more than affordable prices. Depending on the auto auction that you attend, as well as the car that you choose to buy, you could walk away with a quality used car for as little as a thousands dollars! In all honesty, you never know what treasures or quality used cars you will find until you attend an auto auction. That is why it is advised that you at least attend a local auto auction, even if it is just to see what one is like.
Another one of the many pros or plus sides to buying a used car from an auto auction is the choices that you have. In terms of the used cars that you have to choose from, it is not uncommon for an auto auction to include as many as fifty used cars or more. Many of these used cars include different years, as well as different car makes and models. In keeping with the choices that you have, you also have a choice when it comes to choosing a used car auction to attend. If you live in or around a large city, such as Chicago, you may have more auto auctions to choose from. You could choose to attend an auto auction that gives you the opportunity to inspect each vehicle or you can choose one that does not have any admission fees.
Although there are a number of pros or plus sides to buying a used car from an auto auction, there are also a number of downsides as well. The good news, however, is that those downsides may not even apply to you. One of the downsides or cons to buying a used car from an auto auction is that not all auto auctions have an inspection session. An inspection session is when you are able closely examine or inspect all of the cars that will be auctioned off. You should never buy a used car without thoroughly examining it first. This downside to buying a used car from an auto auction may not even be an issue, as long as you choose to attend a used car auction that allows you to inspect all of their vehicles first and they are out there.
Another con or downside to buying a used car from an auto auction is the fact that you aren’t really given any guarantees. Perhaps, that is why it is so important that you are able to inspect a used car before bidding on it at an auto auction. When you pay for and receive your used car, it is then yours and you are responsible for it, including all updates and repairs that may need to be made. It is difficult, if not virtually impossible, to find an auto auction house or company that offers warranties on their used vehicles. Of course, buying a used car is a risk anyways, as most used car dealerships, as well as owners outright selling their vehicles do not offer warranties either.
If you live in or around the Chicago area, you may want to examine North Shore Auto Auction. Their online website can be found at www.publicautoauctionnst.com. With regularly scheduled auto auctions, as well as information on those auctions, including the used cars that will be auctioned, North Shore Auto Auctions is known for being one of the best auto auctions in the Chicago area.



December 24, 2009

Are you interested in buying a used car from an auto auction or a used car auction? If you are, have you ever done so before? Unfortunately, when it comes to buying a used car from a used car auto auction, there are many first time bidders who end up making costly mistakes. To prevent yourself from being one of those used car auction bidders, you will want to continue reading on, as a few helpful used car auction tips are touched on below.
Perhaps, one of the most important things that you need to remember, when it comes to buying a used car from a used car auction, is that not all used car auctions are the same. Auto auctions come in a number of different formats. For instance, there are auctions where only used cars are sold and then there are others auctions where a large number of products, including used cars, are being sold. To have a larger selection of used cars to choose from, you may want to focus solely on auctions that specialize in the auctioning of used vehicles.
In keeping with the type of used car auction that you wish to attend, it is also important that you examine whether or not you are even able to attend. If you are just one lone individual who is looking to buy a personal car for yourself, you will want to try to find a public used car auction. Public used car auctions are auctions where anyone is able to walk in and place a bid on a used car. It is important that you know what type of used car auction you plan on attending, as there are auto auctions that require proof of a dealership license.
In addition to the type of used car auction that you wish to attend, it is also important that you examine how the auction is operated. For instance, are you required to arrive at the auction and bid on a vehicle that you have never previously seen or had the opportunity to examine? While a large number of auto auctions work this way, you may only want to attend auctions that give you the opportunity to inspect their used cars. This inspection session, if it is available, is often scheduled in the days leading up the used car auction. In addition, you may want to see if the auction house or company in question has an online website. If they do, you may be able to find information, including pictures and detailed descriptions, of some of the cars that at the auction.
It is also important that you examine methods of payment accepted before you start bidding on a used car at a used car auto auction. Unfortunately, many first time bidders mistakenly believe that all auto auctions accept the same methods of payment. This is a mistake can be troublesome and result in a large hassle. That is why it is important that you examine the methods of payment accepted. In most cases, you will find that cash, credit cards, or certified checks are accepted. In some rare cases, you may be able to find a used car auction house or company that offers financing or one that accepts personal checks.
Before bidding on a used car at a used car auction, it may be a good idea for you to speak to an auction representative. Depending on the auction house or company in question, you may even be able to do so before attending an auto auction. When speaking to a company representative, you will want to inquire about the documentation that you will receive when you bid on and buy a used car. After buying a used car, you will need to register it with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). To register a vehicle with the DMV, you need to have proof of ownership. Most well-known and reliable used car auction houses or companies will automatically provided you with the required documentation, but it may still be a good idea to get verification ahead of time.
Since the used car auction that you choose to attend will have a significant impact on the success that you see, when buying a used car, it is important that you choose your auto auctions carefully. If you are a Chicago resident, a resident of a surrounding area, or would be willing to travel there, you may want to examine North Shore Auto Auction.



December 20, 2009

Nowadays, life can be pretty hard. Everything is increasing with prices escalating out of site!  This makes us all targets of potential scams and frauds. With all these swindlers and scammers lurking just about anywhere, it is best to always be on guard and to know the things to be avoided in order to prevent the probability of being a victim of frauds and swindles. Consequently, people who are buying used cars should also be aware of the different fraudulent activities being employed by unscrupulous people in order to have the best buy of used cars. Moreover, people who are aware that the cars they have bought are stolen, chances are, they will be held liable. Here are some things to avoid when buying used cars: 1. Used car buyers should avoid any transactions that are “too good to be true.” This will only make the matter worst if the buyer will believe that the deal is the best-used car deal ever. 2. Buyers should avoid buying used cars from sellers that do not provide a permanent address or the actual place of work of the phone number given. 3. It is important for a buyer to check on the VIN or the vehicle identification number plate. It must be securely fastened onto the used car’s dashboard, with no rivets that are loosened. Loosened rivets would mean that the VIN plate does not fit or it has been previously removed. 4. Also, the buyer should also avoid buying used cars that have VIN plates that are touched up, its paint is newly retouched, and the numbers look as if they are not the original “factory numbers.” VIN plates can be easily swapped by a thief and use those that are taken from a destroyed vehicle. 5. As much as possible, it would be better to avoid buying a used car that is freshly painted. There are instances wherein the stolen car’s identity is being changed through changing its paint color. 6. Used car buyers should avoid buying cars from a seller that cannot present the car’s “insurance policy.” This could mean that the car is stolen or the seller is not the true owner of the car. It is extremely important for the buyers to take note of these things before buying a used car. An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure!



December 19, 2009

Looking for the cheapest car through buying used cars is a smart practice. However, when the buyer is truly saving and is on a tight budget, buying a used car should not be immediately decided upon and should take a lot of deliberation. This is to avoid throwing away your hard-earned money. Therefore, for people who already know something about buying used cars but wish to know when not to buy them, here are some pointers that may help people in their decision-making: 1. Buyers should be wary of buying used cars from owners that do not have complete and pertinent documents. This could mean a lot of negative things and the buyer is the only one who will be at the losing end. Documents are crucial especially if the car is second hand. It is the only solid guarantee that a buyer can get hold of when buying used cars. If this is the case, then, the buyer might as well not pursue the deal. 2. Buyers should consider their budget If the reason why the buyer is opting to purchase a used car is the budget, then it should be the same reason why the buyer should be careful and meticulous in choosing a used car. Hence, if the car needs a lot of maintenance, repairs, and other modifications, it is best not to buy that used car. 3. If the buyer is not comfortable after test-driving the car, then, it is best not to buy it. There are instances wherein some people tend to opt for used cars because of the model of the car being sold. It is their dream car and there is no other way they can purchase them but to buy them second hand. However, if the buyer was not comfortable with the car after test-driving it, then, it would be better not to pursue the deal, even if it means the world to the buyer to have that car. The bottom line is that buying used cars should never be the sole alternative to people who cannot afford to buy new ones. This means that people should value the process of choosing a used car like what they would do when they buy a new car. After all, it is their money that will be put to risk that is why it is extremely important to consider all the factors in order to have the best buy ever.



December 19, 2009

Do you live in or around the Chicago area? If you do, are you also in the market for a new used car? If you are, have you already started your used car search? If you have yet to do so, you may want to think about examining all of your options. When it comes to buying a used vehicle, many individuals end up wasting precious time, as well as hard-earned money. By first examining all of your used car buying options, you should be able to create a plan for yourself. This plan cannot only help you find a quality used car to buy, but it may also be able to save you a considerable amount of time and money.
In and around the Chicago area, you should be able to find a large number of used car dealerships. These dealerships are sometimes a great place to find used cars. The only downside to buying a used car from a Chicago used car dealership is that you never really know exactly who you are doing business with. Unfortunately, over the past few years, a large number of used car dealerships have started using some questionable tactics to help improve their sales. Now, this isn’t just limited to the Chicago area, as it is a trend that is seen all across the country, but it is still something that you should keep in mind.
Although you should display caution when looking to buy a used car from a Chicago used car dealership, it does not mean that you shouldn’t at least stop and examine the selection of cars at a used car dealership. As with buying a used car from anywhere, you are advised against relying on the word of the seller. Instead of just taking someone’s word, you will also want to do your own inspection. It is advised that you closely examine and inspect all used cars that you find at a dealership. You can expect to pay more money for a used car at a dealership than you would anywhere else; therefore, you want to make sure that your money will be money well spent.
In addition to buying a used car from a Chicago dealership, you can also buy a used car from other Chicago residents or from residents in the surrounding areas. When it comes to buying a new car, many new car buyers try to sell their own cars on their own, instead of using them for a trade-in. Many car owners believe that this will get them more money for their cars. The good thing about buying a used car directly from a car owner is that you never know when you may find a good deal. You may be able to find a used car for sale just by driving to and from work or on your way home from grocery shopping.
Although buying a used car directly from the car owner is a great way to find a quality used vehicle, you need to be careful about overpaying. As previously mentioned, a large number of car owners try to sell their own cars, instead of relying on them for a trade-in. This is often done in hopes of making extra money. That is what leads many individuals to price their used cars too high. Of course, you will want to make sure that you thoroughly examine and inspect any used car that you are interested buying, but you may also want to think about doing a little bit of research; research concerning the value of the vehicle in question. This will help to prevent you from paying too much money for a used car.
Another option that you have when looking to buy a used car is auto auctions. Auto auctions are nice because you are often able to choose from a large number of used cars. Some Chicago auto auctions have as many as fifty or more cars at each of their auctions. It is also important to mention that auto auctions are one of the cheapest ways to go about getting a used car. One of the reasons for that is because auto auctions are almost like a well-kept secret. Many used car shoppers do not realize just how great auto auctions really are.
Although auction auctions are a great way to buy a used car, you should proceed with caution. In and around the Chicago area, you should be able to find a number of used car auctions, many of which are held on a scheduled basis. To find an affordable, but reliable used car, you will want to attend an auto auction that gives you as much information on the used cars that they will be selling. There are some used car auction houses or companies, like North Shore Auto Auction, that post information on their upcoming auto auctions online, including vehicle pictures, as well as detailed information. You may also want to attend an auction auto that gives you the opportunity to closely examine or inspect each vehicle before bidding.
As you can see, you have a number of different options when it comes to buying a used car. For the best chance of success, you may want to think about attending a number of auto auctions, visit some Chicago used car dealerships, as well as speak with any car owners that may have used cars available for sale. By keeping all of your options open, you are more likely to find the used car of your choice.



December 18, 2009

Many of us dream of buying a cheap used car. Well, let’s amend that a bit. Many people dream of buying a cheap, good, used car. Unfortunately it’s all too easy to get a cheap used car that’s, well, cheap. You’ve probably already got one of those, though. Here is how you can get one of the cheap, good used cars.

There are several things to consider. The first thing to think about when you’re looking for a used car is what your requirements are in a vehicle. If you need to drive yourself 40 miles a day to work, a Chevy Suburban is probably not your best choice. Conversely, if you take your family of 7 on trips while towing your boat, a Suburban would be a great vehicle for you. You can save quite a bit of money by getting only what you really need in a vehicle. While that may not be very exciting, the money you save will be.

Once you’ve decided what type of vehicle suits your needs the best, narrow down which vehicles in that category will be the most desirable. The less picky you are when it comes to things such as colors, brand, and features, the easier it will be to get a great used car, cheap. A few features you shouldn’t overlook are safety and reliability. After all you, and possibly your family, will depend on this car, and if you think about it, your lives are at stake every time you ride in it. Check Consumer Reports and MSN autos for reliability figures. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does some very good tests to determine the vehicle safety in a variety of different collision situations. Check them out as well.

Once you’ve narrowed down the field a bit, it’s time to start looking for your new, used car (isn’t that an oxymoron?). Look for some of the less popular, but still functional, reliable, and safe brands. You’ll save some money for example, by foregoing a Honda for a Nissan, or skipping a Toyota and landing in the driver’s seat of a Mazda. One other point to consider is that today’s vehicles hold up remarkably well with far beyond 100,000 miles showing on the odometer. In fact, they can still look and run almost new at this figure. So, don’t let a few miles scare you. You’re buying the car for what it has left, not what it has.

Once you found a car that seems to fit your requirements, there are some things you should check to make sure you are in fact getting a good, cheap car, not just a cheap car. Locating one that has been well taken care of is vital. While today’s vehicles are remarkably robust, they do require regular maintenance to ensure they will provide the years of service of which they are capable.

They may run like Swiss watches, with the highly engineered, internal parts spinning about in a fine, choreographed ballet, but that example of modern engineering could turn into a pile of very expensive junk if it doesn’t get the care it feels it deserves. The subsystems for modern vehicles are very expensive. It’s not uncommon for a transmission to cost between $3,000 and $6,000. An engine may set you back almost $10,000. The moral here is that a bit of careful investigation could save you a big headache later. You need to act like a horse trader in the old west. Look at the old girl to be sure you really want to take her home.

When you’re out shopping, you should definitely check the vehicle’s history. You may discover all manner of horrors hiding in it’s sordid past. Carfax works very well for this. Bring a laptop or mobile device to access the web while you’re shopping. You can get unlimited uses for a month for a pretty reasonable price, so you can check out a large number of prospective vehicles as you’re shopping.

When you’re actually looking at the car, kneel down and sight down the car’s body lines. If they are wavy or you can see obvious imperfections in the paint, chances are the car has been damaged and repaired at some point. Another trick is to bring a small magnet with you. If the car has metal body that’s been repaired with body filler putty, the magnet will not adhere to the repair as well as it does to the other parts of the body. Crawl under the car and check the frame or unibody members for any signs of bending, corrosion or other damage. See if it looks like the car’s underside has been places you wouldn’t take a car you loved.

Pop open the hood. Pull out the dipstick to check the oil. See if the oil is between the “add” and “full markers, and if it’s black or a nice, golden brown. If it’s thick and black, the oil probably has been neglected. Check to see of there’s any white substance mixed with the oil. That’s usually engine coolant. It’s not supposed to be in there with the engine’s oil. If it is, there’s a blown gasket or an even more serious engine problem. That won’t be an inexpensive car, but it may be a cheap one.

Check the tires for uneven wear. If the tires need to be replaced soon, that may not be a trivial expense on many cars. You could spend $350 – $600 on a new set of treads, mounted and balanced. The car’s tires are extremely important to vehicle safety, handling, braking and acceleration however, so don’t skimp if you do have to put on a new set of tires. Just be sure you use the fact in your negotiations. Uneven tire wear may also be indicative of a greater problem, such as a suspension or alignment issue. It could also mean the car has been wrecked in the past and not repaired correctly.

You need to decide where you want to look for your car. You can choose a private party. You can often get a great deal from a private party. See if you can discover their reason for selling the car. Some insight here may determine if you have a highly motivated seller and give you the upper hand in the negotiation. Another benefit to a private party is that you’ll often get the car’s service records. These can boost the resale for you later and shed light on any past problems.

You can obviously buy from a dealer. There are hundreds of lots brimming with shiny used cars in most metro areas. You won’t get as good a deal from a dealer (?) in most cases, but you won’t have to meet 46 different sellers either. In addition, you can possibly get some kind of warranty of the dealer offers one. If you do elect to avail yourself of a warranty, read the entire contract vewy, vewy carewfuwy.

You can buy your cheap, used car from an auction. There are many different kinds of vehicle auctions. Many law enforcement agencies sell off vehicles confiscated according to property forfeiture laws. These laws allow the agencies to keep property of those arrested for a variety of crimes, particularly drug crimes. If the perp had pride in his ride, you can get a very nice vehicle. Other auctions are held to dispose of vehicles seized by customs officials, abandoned at towing yards, or to satisfy tax liens. You can also find fantastic deals at auctions held to liquidate vehicle fleets of large businesses, such as phone and utility companies. It’s not uncommon for vehicles to be sold for far lower than they would in any other marketplace, often at only pennies on the dollar..

The downside of auctions is, you guessed it, you know nothing about these cars. In addition you can’t drive them in most cases. In the cases where you can drive them, you’ll only be permitted to take them for a slow spin around the auction yard. Another downside is inventory selection at many vehicle auctions. The selection available to you can range from outstanding to very limited. You know what, though? Many used cars on dealer lots are found at auctions. The dealers keep this little secret tucked safely away inside their little book of tricks. If you could get your new car at an auction you could pay what the dealer’s pay, sometimes less.

Next time you need to buy a cheap, used car, remember there is one for you out there somewhere. You just need to find it. Remember, buy cheap and good!