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The Used Car Blog

We want consumers everywhere to feel confident about their ability to engage in the used car process on their own terms. We’re going to be posting articles about every aspect of buying used cars, from giving you tips on how to judge the condition of a used car to knowing your way around financing options to what you should look for when test driving a vehicle.

Why Used Car Price Haggling is a Thing of the Past

Used car price negotiating, or "haggling", is an American tradition nearly as old as apple pie, hotdogs and filing one's tax return by April 15th. For anyone who's experienced it, price haggling can be awkward, uncomfortable and downright stressful at times. There are anxious give-and-take moments between the customer and the salesperson involved, as both sides try to seek an advantage for opposing financial benefits. Under traditional compensation plans, salespeople are paid a commission as a percentage of the profit when they sell a used car. Those commissions are factored into the car's sale price, which is referred to as commission "padding", and increases its cost to the customer. On the other hand, of course, the buyer wants the best value they can find for the lowest possible purchase price. The ultimate goal for both is meeting somewhere in the middle and reaching an agreement that moves the transaction forward. Unfortunately, the haggling process itself can sometimes become downright confrontational.

How to Buy a Used Car for a Teenager

Buying a used car for a teenager in your life can be both rewarding and challenging. If it's their first vehicle, it means an exciting new world of independence and responsibility. You want to present them with the keys to a car that's fun to drive, but on the flipside it needs to be safe, economical and come with a good maintenance track record. There are a number of places to shop for a high-quality used car including online, a dealership or through a private seller. Getting the most bang for your buck is certainly important, and there are ways to ensure that your purchase will be a wise one for both you and the teen driver it's entrusted to. With all this in mind, here are some important factors to consider when buying a used car for a teenager.

The Auto Auction is Where Your Used Car Comes From!

The Auto Auction. When you hear this term, what goes through your head? I'm willing to bet the majority of your impressions out there are less than favorable, that dealer car auctions are brimming with the worst of the worst. Cars that have been impounded, abandoned, repoed, unclaimed stolen vehicles, salvaged and flood damaged cars... the worst of the worst. And yes, there are auto auctions out there that carry these motorized misfits, police or insurance auctions for example. But the world of auto auctioning spans so much further.

How to Shop for a Used Car: Steps and Tips

Buying a used car can be both exciting and overwhelming, as millions of used cars are bought and sold in the U.S. every year. When you're looking to buy a used vehicle, options out there include purchasing from a franchised dealership, used car lot or a private seller. You car even buy a used car online these days and get it delivered to your door! As should be the case when shopping for a used car from any given seller, there are several important steps necessary to guide you through in order to simplify the process and make the best buying decision. Here are several tidbits of advice to follow on how to buy a used car no matter where you're shopping.

Why a Lower Priced Used Car Doesn't Always Equal a Better Deal

There's an old saying that no two snowflakes 'are exactly alike'. When it comes to buying a used car, that same adage holds true, even when shopping for vehicles of the very same make, model and year. Obvious physical differences that they have include their interior and exterior colors, seat material (cloth or leather), mileage, option packages and engine size. But more importantly, since the day those cars were initially purchased and driven off the lot, their road histories became quite different for a number of reasons.

10 Common Mistakes First-Time Car Buyers Make (You'll Want to Avoid These!)

After the first car, many will buy several cars over the years, depending on how their lives change and how long their vehicles last. As anyone who's bought a car can attest, being a first-time car buyer can seem daunting. First-time car buyers have a lot to think about, not just finding "the one," but determining where to buy and how to pay. Some say the best way to learn is by doing, but first-time car buyer mistakes can cost thousands of dollars, and some mistakes can affect credit ratings and financial stability for years.

Pros & Cons of Buying a Used Car Online

For many years now websites likeTrueCar,AutotraderandCarfaxhave advertised their services as a means to buying a used car online. And although that fingertip browsing experience has changed the way people shop for used cars, you can't actually purchase an auto through them. You still have to contact the seller, arrange financing, negotiate a fair market price, physically get to the vehicle and complete the paperwork in person.

Is Buying a Used Car from a Friend a Good Idea?

Friendships are golden, especially lifelong ones, and should be valued. When it's time to buy a used car, you have several avenues to pursue including buying from a dealer, a private seller, and even buying a used car from a friend. Conventional wisdom tells us to not ever do business with someone close to you, as that could really sour your relationship in the end. But in contrast to those wise words might be the fact your friend has a used car that they're willing to part with that matches almost perfectly the profile that you are looking for. And, they are offering it to you at a really, really good price.

How Many Miles Are Too Many when Shopping for Used Cars?

Whether you're in the market for your first car or you've owned many cars, chances are good you've considered the merits ofbuying a used car, second-hand car, or "pre-loved" car. After all, used cars are less expensive, depreciate less, and are usually cheaper to maintain and repair.

How to Increase Your Car's Resale Value

Let's talk about how to increase your car's resale value. According to multiple sources, in the past decade, the average length of vehicle ownership in the United States has climbed to 6.5 years! You might plan to keep your car that long, or perhaps only 2-3 years. But when it comes time for you to move on, you'll want to ensure you get the highest possible dollar amount for you car. Regardless of whether you plan to trade it in at a dealership or attempt to sell it privately, you still want a healthy return on your investment. Who wouldn't? This is what's called your car's resale value. Of course, after so many years of use, mileage accumulation and wear and tear, the value will not be the same as it was when you bought it. (Exceptions: keeping the car long enough to see it become a classic or develop a cult following, in which case it will appreciate over time). However, there are certain steps and regiments you can follow to ensure you keep your car's resale value as high as possible. So without any further ado, here are 5 easy tips to increase your car's resale value:(Do not want to read?Watch a videoinstead!)