How To Estimate A Used Car's Value

By: Gregory Ashton

When searching for a used car, one of the most important factors
to consider is whether the car you are looking for really is
worth its tag price. Even though the car may look like quite a
deal, it is possible that you are being ripped off. Here are a
few tips to help you make that decision when considering used
cars.

1. Do a Little Research

When you find a used car that catches your fancy make sure you
do research on that car. Find out how much that car costs if it
were brand new. You should also look into whether the car is
still in production and if its parts are still available. You
could also try a little shop hopping to compare used car prices
among cars of the same value and same age.

If a car's price is too low, that should send you into a state
of alarm. It is possible that the car is much more trouble than
it is worth.

If it is too expensive, you may want to ask why that is so.

2. The Older the Car the Cheaper is Should Become

Brand new cars typically lose up to 30% in their value in 3
years, and by the time the car is 5 years old, it may have lost
up to 65%. If you know the car's original price, you may want to
use this rule of the thumb for your estimation.

3. Use a Third-Party Information Service

Car Fax is a good way to find out about used car histories. They
offer a service that will give you a detailed history of the car
you are interested in. The information included will typically
include accident history and insurance data.

Kelly Blue Book is one of the most comprehensive used car value
listings around. It would be a good idea to take a peek into
their services for an updated list of hundreds and hundreds of
used car values.

4. Take a Mechanic with You

A car's value is also directly related to its running condition.
If you are not that well versed in mechanics and cars, you may
want to take a mechanic along so that he or she can evaluate
whether the car really is worth the used dealer's tag price.

Some used car dealers will offer cars that are defective and try
to hawk them by sweetening the deal. Beware of these kinds of
car dealers.

Try to look for a reputable dealer. The past experience of your
acquaintances will be very valuable in evaluating a car
dealership.

About the author:
Gregory Ashton, your resident automobile enthusiast, bringing to
you over 20 years of vehicular passion, and expertise; presents
for your approval his insider secrets on selecting, buying, and
maintianing the car that is ideal for you.
http://www.best-car-buying-tips.com