Automotive Guruz

When you’re shopping around for a used car or truck, it can be tough to tell whether or not the asking price is really worth it. After all, every driver is different, and while some people take really good care of their cars, others are really hard on them, causing needless wear and tear on the engine and transmission.

So how do you determine whether or not the asking price for a used car is a good deal? Well, first, consider the stats. Check resale guides for the manufacturer, make, model, mileage and options that the car has. Although the listed resale price will assume that the car has been cared for, it will at least give you a good starting point.

And when you’re referencing the resale guides, understand the difference between the trade-in value and the resale value of a car. The trade in value is what you could get if you were trading the car in toward the purchase of another — i.e. what the dealer will offer you to trade in such a car against another her car. The retail value is what you’re going to pay as a used car shopper; it’s what the car is worth on the open market.

Second, use the internet. You see, many used cars dealerships are partnered with online auto listings sites. This means that you can browse for used cars for sale in yoru area by price, make, model, etc. This lets you find vehicles you’re interested in, and then compare the inventory and prices across several used car dealerships. Through this comparison, you can then adjust the ballpark number that you got from the resale guides.

Finally, find out what work has been done on the car. While some work will bring the car’s value down, other work will bring the car’s value up. For example, if the used car has been restored after an accident, then the car should be worth less because it’s suffered structural damage. Conversely, if it’s just recently had its transmission replaced, then it should be worth more because one of the major systems is considerably newer than the car, giving it an extended lease on its life.

All this being said, you should also have a mechanic that you trust take a look under the hood before you agree to a price. A trained professional will be able to spot things that most of us will miss or won’t even think to look for. After all, if you’re going to have to change any parts after buying a used car, you should factor that in to the price you’re willing to pay for it in the first place.