Suggestions to Buying Old Cars

1. Suggestions to Buying Old Cars Buying old cars is like going on a treasure hunt. There are amazing deals out there, and with the advent of the Internet as a car shopping tool, you have every opportunity to find a good deal on a car that meets your needs and fits your budget. Buying old cars over a new one has many benefits: It saves you money on car insurance, registration, taxes and depreciation, which is the loss of a car's value over time. And that makes sense, because cars have never been more reliable. It is not unusual for some vehicles to travel more than 100,000 miles without any problems. Here's an overview of the steps you need to take to buy a used car. Set your budget There are only two ways to buy a car: cash or a loan. If you pay cash, budgeting is pretty simple. But don't spend all your savings. Remember to set aside money for enrollment and insurance -- and for possible future repairs. Most people will take out a car loan so they can protect their savings and buy a more expensive model. Getting a car loan ahead of time is smart because it simplifies the purchase process and puts you in a better position at the car dealership everywhere. Choose the right car Now choose your car. Take a moment to think about how you plan to use the car. For example, if you have a family, you want to have enough room for everyone, plus enough room for the goods. If safety is a priority, go to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for a crash test. Check reliability and cost of ownership

2. Every used car is different. Some people have been driving more miles and have more wear and tear. But, in general, you want to make sure that the model you choose is known for its reliability. A closely related issue is the total cost of ownership. Some cars are cheap but will cost a lot in the long run because of insurance, maintenance, repairs and depreciation. Some automotive websites, such as Kelley Blue Book's five-year cost of ownership or Consumer Reports' cost of vehicle ownership, provide estimates for these expenses. Contact the seller A quick chat can answer a lot of questions and save time to verify the information you read in the AD. Test drive the car So far, you haven't driven the car of your choice. Now, not only do you have to see if you like the car, you also have to decide if the car is worth buying. Negotiate the best price Here's the part everyone fears: negotiation. But it shouldn't stress you out, especially if you've done your research and know how much the car you want is worth. Compare the seller's asking price with the average market price you determined in your pricing guide. Chances are, the seller is asking more than the market average. Complete the transaction Before you buying old cars, you should add it to your insurance policy. Then, you just have to pay the fare -- usually in cash or a cashier's check. Make sure you have a title and have the seller sign it correctly. If in doubt, check out your state's registration website for more information. Most states allow you 10 days to register your car.