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Is it easy to perform a used cars online search?

Many drivers today are making the decision to buy a used car rather than a new car. By following a few steps, you may be able to easily locate a great used car in good or even like-new condition and at a price you can afford.

Before long, you may be using an online price comparison website to search for car insurance prices on your next vehicle. Be sure to enter your ZIP code into the FREE comparison tool above!

Before you reach that point, however, you first have to find a great used car to purchase. So how easy is it to search for used cars online?

How Most Used Car Listings Sites Work

There are many different websites that you can choose to use while searching for your next vehicle. Some used car listings websites cater to a specific type of vehicle, such as vintage cars or pick-up trucks. Others allow you to do an exhaustive search of all makes and models that have been made for decades. Many of these more comprehensive websites will allow you to perform a customized search query based on factors like:

• The sales price range
• The make
• The model
• Year built
• Location, often by city with the ability to customize a search radius

When You Know the Make and Model You Want to Buy

Some people who are in the market to buy a used car know exactly what type of vehicle they are looking for. For some popular models, a buyer in a large market, such as a major metropolitan area, may be able to easily locate a dozen models or more that fit their search parameters. However, it may be necessary for you to expand your search parameters to find more options. You can consider expanding your search parameters by:

• Looking at models built either the year before or after the year you are searching for
• Expanding the range of sales prices you are considering, keeping in mind that many sellers are willing to negotiate the sales price
• Expanding the geographic search radius

Using Online Searches to Narrow Down Your Options

While some used car buyers know exactly which make and model they want to buy, others do not. If you do not know which make and model you want to buy, you can consider using a used car listings website to browse various makes and models. Consider using search queries just as you would browse a used car lot in person. You can view everything from Ford and Chevrolet models to Infiniti, Acura, and Lexus models online with ease and without having to leave your home.

Consider Cost of Ownership for Different Vehicles

Before you make a decision to schedule a test drive with the seller, you should first consider the cost of ownership of different vehicles you may be searching for. Several specifications and features in a vehicle may make it more costly or more affordable than another. Consider, for example, how one type of engine may have reduced fuel efficiency and be more costly to insure over another car of the same make and model but with a different type of engine. Safety equipment in a vehicle like air bags, a theft deterrent system, and more may also affect the cost of insurance.

Taking the Next Step

Once you have found a great car online that you want to test drive, take time to schedule a test drive with the seller. Some sellers with online listings may be a used car dealership. Others may be the actual vehicle owner. Both will be eager to schedule a test drive with you, as they will understand this is a step in the sales process. If you are very interested in the vehicle you want to purchase, consider requesting permission to have a mechanic review the vehicle during your test drive.

If you plan to do this, you should either bring a mechanic with you to the test drive or schedule an appointment time with a mechanic. A mechanic will charge you a basic hourly rate for this service, but this step can help to ensure you purchase a quality vehicle that is free of mechanical issues. If a mechanic finds that a vehicle is in need of certain repairs, be sure to get that information in writing. You can use the mechanic’s work estimate to negotiate the sales price down if you still intend to purchase the vehicle.

Shop for Insurance and Loan Rates

If you are in the market for a make and model in high demand, it is often best to shop for loan rates and to get prequalified for financing before take a test drive. Getting prequalified often can be done within just a few hours, and it may done online or over the phone. So it is possible to first schedule a test drive, then get prequalified, and later perform the test drive.

You will want to take time, however, to shop for loan rates and insurance rates online to get the best deal. Your loan payment and insurance payment are basic costs of ownership for your next vehicle. Taking time today to use a rate comparison website to find the best rates can save you money throughout the time you own your vehicle.

Shopping online for a used car really is quite simple. Whether you know which kind of car you want to buy or you are still browsing across various makes and models, you can start using these websites today. You can also use rate comparison sites to easily shop for rates on car insurance and auto loan rates. Just enter your ZIP code into the FREE tool now!