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What are discount used cars?

Most people are aware that buying a brand new car at full price can lead to being overcharged. After all, cars and trucks depreciate rapidly after that first sale. Even a used car with only a few thousand miles on it will cost significantly less than the same car with no previous owner.

Unfortunately, even high quality used cars are still out of the question for many people. The number of those who can’t afford to buy a new vehicle has even increased as economic concerns grow. That’s where discount used cars can be beneficial, but buyers must be careful when they try this route; not every inexpensive used car is a good deal.

Make certain you compare auto insurance rates for discount car coverage by entering your ZIP code into the FREE tool above!

Discount Car Benefits

A good quality, inexpensive used car can save shoppers a lot of money, enabling them to keep a better vehicle. Over time, that can lead to reduced repair bills, lower car insurance rates and other savings for smart shoppers. Taking the time to shop carefully for a used car, its insurance and its maintenance is a good investment. No one should ever jump right in.

Risks of Discount Cars

Many apparently-discounted used vehicles have major problems that aren’t apparent right away. They may have previously been in a serious accident. They may be vehicles known for specific engine or other major component failures. They may need a lot of difficult, expensive work that the original owner doesn’t want to perform.

Shoppers have to be very careful when buying at a low price. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s usually worthwhile to check another car.

Finding Discount Used Cars

The traditional method of heading to a dealer’s lot to buy a new or used vehicle is one of the least effective options available. Dealers charge high prices and are only willing to vary them within strict limits. Instead of starting at a local dealer, car buyers can choose from a number of other options.

1. Long Distance Shopping

Relatively low travel prices and easy Internet access means that buyers can actually purchase used cars at a significant discount if they’re willing to buy out of state. There are a number of markets around the US where cars are routinely sold for 8 to 10 percent less than the manufacturer’s recommended sale price. Shopping for cars in one of these locations can provide a discount that’s worth the travel required to make a purchase.

Buyers should factor in the cost of travel and any hotel or motel rentals during the buying process. They should also consider the cost of title and insurance changes, plus wear and tear getting the vehicle back home. Even with these extra factors, many cars bought in other areas can be less expensive than buying locally.

2. Specific Model Discounts

While all vehicles come with a recommended sale price from the manufacturer, or MSRP, they don’t always sell for that amount. Models that aren’t very popular or are likely to be discontinued may sell at lower prices, especially in the outer edges of urban areas where dealerships must compete heavily against one another.

Buyers should take care to research any model they’re interested in buying to make sure that it doesn’t have known defects or other issues that make it less attractive to buyers. If the problem is simply that the car isn’t as appealing as its competition, buyers may be able to secure a much lower price at the right location.

3. Private Sales

Another option that can lower prices is buying from a private seller. The old way of doing this required going through the local classifieds – still a viable option. Many modern buyers choose to engage in private sales via online listings, however.

Most privately sold discount used cars don’t include a warranty or service agreement, but private sellers are also much more willing to negotiate.

It’s important to do some homework before buying to ensure that the car is really in the advertised condition. Potential buyers should look up information on the car’s vehicle identification number to determine whether it’s been in an accident. Having a mechanic look at the car before purchasing is also a good idea. When approached carefully, private sales can be an excellent way to find reliable discount used cars.

4. Rental and Display Vehicles

Former rental cars and the display vehicles used in car dealerships are often sold with lower mileage and in better condition than cars owned by private drivers. This provides the option to purchase a vehicle that’s almost brand new without paying new car prices.

Since many people have bad associations with rentals, buyers can expect to pay even less for the vehicle than they would a similar car with a more conventional history. Like private sales, rental and display cars often have a more complicated history than conventional used vehicles.

Potential buyers should check the vehicle out carefully and test drive it for a day or more if possible. The car should be inspected by an independent shop to ensure that it was never handled roughly by a customer. Since many rental and display cars are maintained on a better schedule than privately owned vehicles, they can provide quality service for many years at a very good price.

Insuring Discount Cars

Buying auto insurance for any vehicle is important and a state-mandated requirement. When it comes to insuring discount cars, it’s best to foresee any problems that may arise and be sure those areas are properly covered by the insurance policy. One simple way to compare car insurance policies is by entering your ZIP code into the FREE comparison tool below now!