Buying a Used Car, Truck or SUV?

If you've decided to buy a used car, you've already made a smart decision. You can get a car that's almost as good as a brand-new one, without suffering the depreciation that wallops new car buyers as soon as they drive the car off the lot. Used cars ? even those that are only one year old ? are 20 to 30 percent cheaper than new cars. But there are other good reasons to buy a used car:

• Buying a used car means you can afford a model with more luxury/performance.
• You'll save money on insurance.
• The glut of cars coming off lease makes finding a near-new vehicle, or "cream puff," easy.
• Bigger bargains are possible for the smart used car shopper.

• Used cars are more reliable today than ever before.
• Some used cars are still under the factory warranty.
• Most new car makers now sell certified used cars, which include warranties.
• The history of a used car can easily be traced using the VIN number.
• Financing rates for used cars have dropped in recent years.
• If you buy from a private party, the negotiation process is less stressful.

The smart shopper will consider how to finance the car at the beginning of the shopping process. This will avoid unpleasant surprises later in the game and help you make an unemotional decision that fits your budget.

                      

Once you've determined how much you can spend for a down payment, a monthly payment and the purchase price of the car, print out these figures. Later, in the heat of the moment, when you are negotiating for a used car, you might need to check the card to bring yourself back to earth.

Checklist:

• Choose the right vehicle for you by making sure the car suits your needs.
  
  
• Consider all cars in the class you have chosen (compact sedan, SUV, station wagon, etc.) .
  
  
• Check it's reliability and consumer reviews. At Prestige, we'll provide you with such info.
  
  
• Decide how much you have to spend on your vehicle purchase: down payment, monthly payment and purchase price. If you are financing the car, go to the top center of this page and predetermine your "Affordable monthly payment?" Make your selection fit your budget. Don't let a vehicle payment strap you!
  
  
• Decide how you are going to finance your car: a bank, on-line lender or credit union. At Prestige we have many local banks, credit unions and several national lenders to secure the best possible loan for you.
  
  
• Call the seller and verify the pertinent information. Get the VIN # and run a history report on the vehicle. At Prestige, we are happy to provide you with this information.
  
  
• Test drive the car under your normal driving conditions. Preferable purchase from dealers who offers some warranty on there vehicles. Most of the vehicles come with factory or dealership warranty.
  
  
• Negotiate your best deal. Prestige is easy to buy from. Prestige was the counties #1 retail sales leader for both 2007 & 2009, selling over 1,300 vehicles during this period. We buy nice vehicles, but we don't buy them to keep!
  
  
• Read the contract carefully before signing and always make sure you get a clean title.
  
  
• If you are trading in your old car, web site like KBB.com can give you a rough estimate of your "Trade-in Value".
  

•  Once you've reached a good price, ask the salesperson to fax you a worksheet showing all the prices, taxes and fees.
  

•   Bring your worksheet with you to the dealership so you can compare these numbers to the figures on the contract.
  

• Inspect the car for dents, dings and scratches before taking final delivery.

Service Tips:

What services must be performed on your vehicle and why.

Regularly maintaining your vehicle is the best way to protect your investment.
Proper maintenance is essential to your safety and the safety of your passengers.

10 Steps to Buying a Used Car "Checklist"