| If you're in the market to buy a car and you | | | | over themselves trying to sell you their car. They |
| don't have a lot of money, you're probably going | | | | won't. They want the most money for what |
| to have to buy a used car. There's nothing wrong | | | | they're offering, and naturally they think that their |
| with that, though, so don't let yourself assume | | | | car is worth more than you think it's worth. That's |
| that you have to struggle and fuss and bicker | | | | what negotiation is for, but only if you can afford |
| your way through a bunch of car dealers and | | | | the car and only if you think that the car is worth |
| private individuals to find something that's even | | | | the price that you're paying. There's no point in |
| remotely driveable. There are many, many good | | | | buying something you really don't like or don't feel |
| used cars out there, and much of whether you'll | | | | safe in unless you must have a car and that's |
| be buying a great one or just an ok one depends | | | | absolutely the only thing that you can afford. |
| on how much money you actually have to spend. | | | | Also, you should have the car checked out by |
| You aren't going to find the best used cars at the | | | | someone you trust before you buy it. Don't take |
| lowest prices, so don't go out there to shop with | | | | the dealer's word for it, or take it to the seller's |
| your expectations much too high. You'll only be in | | | | mechanic. That's never a good idea. Instead, |
| for some defeat. Instead, do some research first. | | | | make sure that you take the car to someone |
| Think about what kind of car you want and need, | | | | you feel comfortable with or, better yet, bring |
| and take a good look at how much you can | | | | that person along. Don't rush into something, |
| reasonably spend on it. Then, see what's available | | | | either. If you seem too eager a seller will know |
| in that price range in your local area. | | | | that you really want the car and will probably pay |
| You might have to change what you want a little | | | | more. Even if you really love the car and think it's |
| bit in order to get something that you can afford, | | | | perfect for you, proceed with caution to get the |
| so it's important to be open to change. Don't | | | | best deal. |
| automatically assume that people will be falling all | | | | |