Top 5 Myths About Buying a Used Car

We’ve heard every car-buying myth in the book. To be completely honest, some of these car-buying myths are outdated or just wrong. We are here to set the record straight. Don’t fall for these myths when buying a used car.

Myth #1: You should wait until the last minute to mention your trade-in.

This is known as “parachuting the trade” among dealers. This practice doesn’t guarantee a change in the amount that you will get. It just lengthens the time you spend in the dealership and slows down the whole buying process.

Myth #2: It’s better to buy on a rainy day, holiday or a slow sales day

The assumption is that during these days, sales are low so you will get a better deal but since some buyers believe this assumption, a lot of people actually buy and are sometimes considered the busiest days. Buying on these days doesn’t necessarily guarantee a better deal.

Myth #3: Private sellers provide a better deal

You can probably get a good deal with private sellers but it doesn’t guarantee that you will get a good car. Private sellers can always withhold information about the car’s problems or not give you the precise condition of the car. When buying from a dealership, they are expected to be honest about the car’s condition and inform the buyer exactly what they will be getting. Most dealerships have certified pre-owned cars that are carefully taken care of and inspected.

Myth #4: Always buy a car with lower mileage

A car with a lower mileage can be better than one with a longer mileage but this may not necessarily be true. Even with a low mileage, if the car is not taken care of, it may break down easily. There are also other car components that would need to be checked to determine if it is a good car. It is better to ask the dealership about the condition of the car to get a full picture of what you will be getting.

Myth #5: You can trick the dealer

Dealers have experience with selling cars. Trying to bluff or dressing like you can’t afford a car won’t get a cheaper deal. Dealers have the car information and they want to offer you the best deal.

 

Sources:

• Alemeida, A. (2013, April 17). Car Buying Advice: 5 Myths and Misconceptions. Retrieved from http://www.carsdirect.com/car-buying/car-buying-advice-5-myths-and-misconceptions
• Cartelligent. (2016). Ten Car Buying Myths and Misconceptions. Retrieved from https://www.cartelligent.com/blog/ten-car-buying-myths-and-misconceptions
• Huffmann, J. (2015, August 14). Dealing in Myths: Debunking Common Car-Buying Advice. Retrieved from http://blog.caranddriver.com/dealing-in-myths-debunking-common-car-buying-advice/
• Macquarie. (n.d.). Private Car Sales vs Dealerships. Retrieved from http://www.macquarie.com/au/personal/vehicle-loans/expertise/private-vs-dealerships
• Sadlier, J. (2014, May). Buying a Used Car: Does Mileage Matter?. Retrieved from http://www.autotrader.com/car-news/buying-a-used-car-does-mileage-matter-225207
• Vibe Auto. (2016, April 12). Common Used Car Buying Myths. Retrieved from http://www.vibeauto.com/blogs/1233/common-used-car-myths-vibe-auto/

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