|
|
| *SoulEyes Photography>>>Photography Equipment |
Today will be my first time walking into a used car dealership. Any advice? |
Anything I should know? Any questions I should ask? Any tactics to get a good deal? What should I look for when I open the hood? Any particular car make I should look into? I live alone in the city and don't know anyone with car buying experience so all useful information is appreciated. Thank you. ps: I'm looking to buy a mid size vehicle (SUV, truck) as I will need to carry equipment for work (photography ie: backgrounds, lighting, light stands...) and that also won't eat up my wallet in gas. Thanks again. First off, ask for the free carfax report....if the dealer is hesitant to give it, it probably means there's something majorly wrong with the car. Also, ask if you can take the car to a mechanic of YOUR choosing to have it inspected. (especially if you don't know what to look for). Look for signs of a repaint (i.e. engine compartment or door jambs are a different color, overspray). Don't believe the "little old lady story" (this car was owned by a little old lady and she only drove it to church and the doctors) cuz its a load of bs. Also, when they've give you what you think is their best possible offer, tell them that you want to think about it, and get up to leave.......then watch the price drop some more. Don't go until towards the end of the month when everyone there is scrambling to make their quotas...thats when the best deals are had. As far as choice of car, depending on your budget, i would look at a Honda Pilot or CRV or a Toyota Highlander, both are economical suvs with ample storage and seating. Good luck in your search. I would take someone with you who knows about cars. U drive it and let them drive it as well. Buying used is risky and if you are not very knowledgeable about the car you may be buying a piece of junk with a nice body. If you could afford it and you don't have a mechanic to bring along, try to get a certified used vehicle, at least you know it has been inspected pretty well, also get a car-fax report on the vehicles that you are interested in, spending a few dollars now could save you hundreds, even thousands later on.. If you are looking into getting an SUV to transport your equipment but you don't want a hulking big one, look into the car-based SUV's, they are better on gas than a truck based one and unless you are really not going off road you don't really need the utility of a truck based model. dont do it. Buy from a private seller. Youll get a better deal. Car salesmen are people professionally trained to rape you of your money. thats how they make their living. go look on cars.com or Autotrader.com for various light trucks and SUVs in your area. I suggest something like an old tundra or tacoma. theyre very very reliable, and will get exactly what you need done for not a lot of money. when buying a vehicle though, bring it to a mechanic you trust and have them check it out for any problems or potential problems it will have. Opening the hood and staring blankly then kicking a tire doesnt tell you anything about the car. let a trained professional look at it. It's scary buying a used car but you can get good deals if you know what your lookin for heres a few guidlines to go by- dont tell them how you plan on paying until your already ready to buy, this means no monthly payments no downpayments and whatever else the SALES person tells you - dont pay the lot price negotiate, check the vehicles history report.and know the value of the car prior to going. test drive,- be prepared to walk away and come back... Dont rush.. remember a car sales man is a SALES man ..hes willing to tell you anything to buy a car.. this one guy would talk about his kids cuz the potential buyers had kids.. BUT he didnt have any himself. they'll do anyhting to make a sale. so be careful- and GOOD LUCK! Recently bought a used 2003 hyandai tiburon www.kellybluebooks.com Sounds like you have done the first step and figured out what you need in a vehicle. If you know a mechanic and not one they advise take it to them and let them check it out. The first to go is the battery and maybe the brakes. Make sure it has not been in a flood. Get serial number and run a check to see if it has been in a wreck. Go to a reputable dealer. Get some feed back on the dealer you are going to do business with. There are some good used cars out there you need to know what to look for. If you can talk to previous owner do that and try to get the true history of the vehicle you are going to buy. |
| Tags |
| Photography Tips Photography Studio Photography School Photography Magazine Photography Jobs Photography Equipment Photography Courses Photo Gallery Photo Essays Art Gallery |
Photography Categories--Copyright/IP Policy--Contact Webmaster |