You may be aware that government officials seize thousands of vehicles every year, but have you ever wonder where they go? The fact is, seized vehicles get auctioned off at county, state, and local levels, and due to under-publication and the need to get rid of these vehicles quickly, you can often get amazing deals on nearly new cars. If you are think about getting a car, think about taking a look at the seized vehicles in your are and make sure you follow these tips.
1.Join a list
... or make a few phone calls. Through calling your local police station or sheriff's office, you can figure out how and when they will be getting rid of their seized vehicles. More than likely, these seized vehicles will be going to car auctions, so you need to figure out when and where this is happening. Some areas will have very complete listings for very large auctions, while some will be smaller affairs; figure out what you are getting into before you travel for it.
2.Know your limits
Think about how much money you have to spend and then stick with it! Many people, even ones who are typically quite cool-headed and practical, can get carried away by the exciting nature and fast pace of auctions, so think about what you can afford to spend. Many auctions for seized vehicles are meant to be paid off right away, so keep this in mind before reaching for your wallet.
3.Do your homework
While some auctions are very much "what you see is what you get" some will actually put out catalogs before the auction day. These are quite large auctions and there is usually quite a bit of information available on the cars. If you can get the Vehicle Identification Number, do so, and see what you can find out about the history of the car, where it has been and whether it has been in any crashes. For instance, if you live in a dry place like Arizona, a car that is from Wisconsin, with its cold wet winters will be certainly less desirable!
4.Be realistic
By taking a look at seized cars, there is the chance that you'll come away with a real gem, but more likely than not, you'll simply come away with a decent used car. Remember to use your best judgment and take as good a look at the car as you are able to before you put down your money. Remember that these cars are sold without warranty and that there is definitely no return policy.
5.Do some research online
These days, auctions for seized vehicles have as much or more information online as they do in print. Go online and do your research; there's a chance that you might find some eBay-style auctions that are online only. Do your best to be careful, and if at all possible, make sure that you see the car before you put down your cash. Going online is also a great way to locate auctions in the first place.
If you are curious about auctions for seized vehicles, or just need more knowledge on used cars in general, head to cheap used cars for some great information on the topic!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Used Car Dealerships
If you're in the market for a used car, working with a used car dealership can be a little nerve-wracking. Used car dealerships have become quite notorious when it comes to high pressure sales and underhanded dealing, but there are definitely some tips which can help you out when you are dealing with them. Check the hints below and you'll be able to make sure that you get the best deal when it comes to your new ride.
1.Do your homework!
The Blue Book is the place to go. If you're interested in a particular make and model, you'll be able to figure out how much the car is worth. Remember that the price listed in the Blue Book is simply what the car would be worth in ideal condition, something that very few used cars are in. Ask for the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) from the used car dealership and look into the history of the car. If it has been in an accident, this will lower its value.
2.Know what you are getting into
Used car dealerships are high pressure sales situations. Remember that dealerships pay their employees upon commission and that it will be in the salesman's best interests to get you to pay as much as you can. In this regard, remember that the first price you get will likely be inflated. While you should not shout or lose your temper, remember that the salesman has a vested interest in you paying more money, while ideally, you will pay as little as possible.
3.Make a plan and stick to it
You already know that you have a certain amount of money to spend on a car, and certain resources at your disposal. Work out your budget before you head to the used car dealership and do not let them sway you. There are many people who get pulled into different deals and payment plans and end up paying a good deal more than they originally intended to. Don't make this mistake; remember that you know more than a salesman at a used car dealership does about your own finances!
4.Take a friend
Having more than one person there can help you take the pressure off when you are looking to buy a car. A friend can help you remember everything that you need to remember and some people are more comfortable having a friend around. Bring along someone bold and forthright, who can tell an overly pushy salesman to back off when you need time to think. This is important especially if by nature, you're a little shy and retiring.
5.Know what you want
Think about what you're getting a car for and no matter what your final purpose is, make sure that you buy a car that matches it well. Many used car dealerships will encourage you towards high-ticket items that might be completely inappropriate for what you need, simply because it costs more, so don't get pushed into a situation like this.
There are lots of things to remember when you are working with a used car dealership, so make sure that you have all your facts in order before you even get to the lot. Check out cheap used cars for a site that can help you out when you are in this situation!
1.Do your homework!
The Blue Book is the place to go. If you're interested in a particular make and model, you'll be able to figure out how much the car is worth. Remember that the price listed in the Blue Book is simply what the car would be worth in ideal condition, something that very few used cars are in. Ask for the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) from the used car dealership and look into the history of the car. If it has been in an accident, this will lower its value.
2.Know what you are getting into
Used car dealerships are high pressure sales situations. Remember that dealerships pay their employees upon commission and that it will be in the salesman's best interests to get you to pay as much as you can. In this regard, remember that the first price you get will likely be inflated. While you should not shout or lose your temper, remember that the salesman has a vested interest in you paying more money, while ideally, you will pay as little as possible.
3.Make a plan and stick to it
You already know that you have a certain amount of money to spend on a car, and certain resources at your disposal. Work out your budget before you head to the used car dealership and do not let them sway you. There are many people who get pulled into different deals and payment plans and end up paying a good deal more than they originally intended to. Don't make this mistake; remember that you know more than a salesman at a used car dealership does about your own finances!
4.Take a friend
Having more than one person there can help you take the pressure off when you are looking to buy a car. A friend can help you remember everything that you need to remember and some people are more comfortable having a friend around. Bring along someone bold and forthright, who can tell an overly pushy salesman to back off when you need time to think. This is important especially if by nature, you're a little shy and retiring.
5.Know what you want
Think about what you're getting a car for and no matter what your final purpose is, make sure that you buy a car that matches it well. Many used car dealerships will encourage you towards high-ticket items that might be completely inappropriate for what you need, simply because it costs more, so don't get pushed into a situation like this.
There are lots of things to remember when you are working with a used car dealership, so make sure that you have all your facts in order before you even get to the lot. Check out cheap used cars for a site that can help you out when you are in this situation!
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