Vehicle purchasing

Google the seller's phone number or email to check for flipping activity.

If the contact info is tied to multiple car listings, you may be dealing with someone who flips vehicles.

one person who lived it

• Search sellers' phone numbers and emails online to check for scam alerts or evidence that they sell many cars.1

Research reviews, pros and cons, specs, and recalls before buying.

To avoid buying a lemon.

one person who lived it

Remove attachment to any specific make, model, or brand.

Being flexible allows you to secure the best financial deal.

3 people, independently

Complete title transfers and payments at the DMV.

Skeptical people won't do it but honest ones will.

one person who lived it

Avoid stretching your budget to buy cars with a known track record of being unreliable or expensive to repair.

It makes people sad when they unknowingly buy cars that are a bad financial decision.

• Repairs on certain brands like MINIs can be extremely costly.

one person who lived it

Never cosign loans or lend money to friends; if you want to help them financially, give the money as a gift instead.

Cosigning puts your credit on the line, and lending to friends can damage relationships regardless of how well you know them.

one person who lived it

Expect to pay higher prices for used cars in areas where decent vehicles are scarce compared to other regions.

In some areas, a reasonably running car costs more than in places where buyers pay much less.

one person who lived it

Verify that the vehicle does not have an outstanding loan attached to it.

If the previous owner stops paying, the lender can repossess the car regardless of who currently owns it.

one person who lived it

Review the loan contract line-by-line to identify duplicate fees or errors.

One person found attorneys' fees listed twice and saved money.

one person who lived it

Buy a repair manual to learn maintenance tasks step-by-step, as lack of knowledge can be expensive.

Lack of knowledge is expensive.

one person who lived it

Abandon the deal if the seller blocks you from having the vehicle inspected by a mechanic.

3 people, independently

• Skip the test drive with the seller and take the car to a mechanic for an inspection instead.1

Work out whether you can afford a car based on maintenance and upkeep costs, not just the sticker price.

Maintenance and upkeep often run people dry.

one person who lived it

Rent a car for occasional long trips instead of maintaining a second vehicle solely for that purpose.

One perspective suggests saving the $1000/year cost of a second car by renting only when needed.

one person who lived it

Ask for pro-rated refunds on unused warranties and gap insurance when selling a car.

You are entitled to the refund, but you will not receive it if you do not ask.

one person who lived it

Confirm how many keys the car comes with.

Replacing or adding key fobs is expensive.

one person who lived it

Do not assume that shopping at the end of the day or month will yield better deals.

The idea that there is a best time to buy a car based on these periods is a myth.

one person who lived it

Consider purchasing vehicles that have just come off lease if you prefer newer models.

They offer good value for newish cars.

one person who lived it

Check US Marshals auctions for cheap vehicles.

They offer items at low prices and allow days to inspect them before bidding.

one person who lived it

Join a car-sharing service like Zipcar to trial different models for errands or trips before buying.

It helps rule out models you do not want.

one person who lived it

Sell your used car privately rather than trading it in at a dealership when the used market is strong.

It causes less headache.

one person who lived it

Network personally to find cheap, dependable used cars through word-of-mouth.

Asking people if they know anyone selling a car can lead to finding someone trying to sell a relative's car.

one person who lived it

Verify that the second key matches the first key.

One person learned this lesson the hard way.

one person who lived it

Consider that washing your car yourself incurs costs for time, water, soap, wax, and supplies.

Time, water, soap, wax, and supplies are not free.

one person who lived it

Be wary of listings claiming the car 'just needs a starter'.

This phrase may be code for major trouble, as sellers would likely charge more for a mechanically sound vehicle rather than discounting it for a cheap repair.

one person who lived it

Cancel GAP insurance once you are no longer upside down on your car loan.

This allows you to pay for coverage only while it is needed.

one person who lived it

Park farther out in lots, next to curbs, away from poorly parked cars, and away from cars with children.

To avoid damage from other drivers.

one person who lived it

Use kbb.com to research vehicle values and options before buying.

Playing around with the options gives you an idea of the vehicle's value.

one person who lived it

Look for private sales advertised via roadside signs rather than online platforms.

Sellers using signs often do not know the real market value.

one person who lived it

One person advises never to lease a car because you end up with no asset and face traps in lease agreements.

Lease agreements contain pitfalls and traps, and you do not own an asset at the end.

one person who lived it

Do not undervalue the car on the title to avoid taxes.

Taxes are often assessed by book value regardless of the listed price, and undervaluing risks losing the vehicle's full value if issues arise.

one person who lived it

Request that the dealer remove all decals and stickers from the vehicle before you drive off.

They are using your vehicle for free advertising.

2 people, independently

• Remove the dealer’s license plate frame and refuse decals on your new car.1
• Hand-write a clause in the sales contract prohibiting the dealer from placing stickers on the car, and have both parties initial it.1

Never accept cashier's checks for private car sales.

They are frequently faked.

one person who lived it

Avoid buying cars at public auctions unless you have expert knowledge.

These vehicles were likely passed up at dealer auctions and are often ones dealers could not sell.

one person who lived it

Factor in the total lifetime cost of car ownership, including depreciation, when deciding how far to live from work or how often to take road trips.

These decisions can impact how much you spend on buying cars over your lifetime.

one person who lived it

Shop around for quotes from other insurance companies if you suspect you are being overcharged.

You might be getting ripped off.

one person who lived it

Walk away if the title lists 'not actual miles' or has salvage status.

one person who lived it

Consider selling to Carvana, Carmax, Vroom, or via private sale; one person reported making money selling a 2020 Honda Pilot to Carvana.

One approach that helped: selling to Carvana allowed the seller to make money on the deal.

one person who lived it

Check insurance costs for a specific car model before agreeing to buy it.

Some cars have unexpectedly high insurance costs.

one person who lived it

• Contact your insurance provider before signing a contract to confirm coverage availability and costs for the specific model.1

Ensure your frugality has a specific purpose rather than saving money for its own sake.

Making or saving money without a goal is a wasted effort.

one person who lived it

Maintain your vehicle to prevent its value from decreasing, rather than expecting maintenance to increase its value.

Lack of maintenance causes value to go down; maintenance simply stops this decline.

one person who lived it

Ensure the used car comes with a second key fob.

One person found a hidden fob under the windshield wiper motor weeks after purchase.

one person who lived it

Listen to the 'This American Life' episode on car dealerships to understand how the industry works.

It provides an interesting look at how the process functions.

3 people, independently

Use free government resources like NHTSA.gov to check for recalls by entering the VIN before buying.

3 people, independently

Buy used cars and pay cash, repeating this cycle to gradually afford better vehicles over time.

• This approach worked for one family starting with a basic car over 20 years.

one person who lived it

Expect luxury vehicles to lose significant resale value around the third year.

This drop coincides with the expiration of the factory warranty.

one person who lived it

Research parts costs online before negotiating or buying.

This helps compare costs to fix items like brakes, radiators, and alternators.

one person who lived it

Use Yelp with caution when finding mechanics.

Ratings can be negatively skewed against businesses that do not pay for ads.

one person who lived it

Calculate your total budget by adding insurance, tax, registration, and tag costs to the vehicle's purchase price.

These extra costs can be higher than expected.

one person who lived it

Use cosmetic flaws like cracked bumpers or interior plastics to negotiate a lower price.

These repairs are expensive.

one person who lived it

Choose a car with a tight turning radius for easier maneuvering in narrow spaces.

A small turning radius allows for U-turns in single lanes and is a feature that may be missed in future vehicles.

one person who lived it

Do not rely solely on dealerships for repairs, as they may focus on selling unnecessary services or new cars over fixing your vehicle.

Dealership mechanics may not want to fix your car but rather sell you services you don't need.

one person who lived it

Budget extra money for necessary repairs after buying a used vehicle.

Almost every used vehicle has something that needs fixing.

one person who lived it

Consider buying used cars at the end of the newest model's year.

The upcoming new model may undergo significant visual alterations that devalue the older style, and the used car is about to become one year older.

one person who lived it

Read over final paperwork before signing, even if pressured to rush, to ensure unwanted extras are removed.

One person successfully got most extras removed by reading the contract, whereas another was distracted and didn't read it.

• Dealers may try to rush you through the paperwork.

one person who lived it

Do not rely on receiving a free car from a friend as a replicable frugal strategy.

This is a matter of luck rather than a sustainable financial tactic.

one person who lived it

Ignore resale value concerns if you intend to drive the vehicle for its entire lifespan.

You cannot simultaneously aim for million-mile longevity and worry about resale value.

one person who lived it

Calculate Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) including maintenance schedules, repair costs, insurance, and known issues.

Initial price and MPG do not reflect the full budget impact.

2 people, independently

Treat vehicle depreciation as an after-the-fact accounting measure rather than a monthly personal finance expense.

Depreciation is an accrual-basis accounting concept that does not fit personal finance calculations until the car is sold.

one person who lived it

Consider buying a new car if deals and incentives make the price comparable to used ones, especially when the used market is hot.

Dealers and manufacturers push down new car prices with incentives while used prices creep up.

one person who lived it

Keep detailed records of all car maintenance in a notebook kept in the vehicle to increase resale value.

This shows potential buyers the car was well cared for, potentially increasing the sale price.

one person who lived it

Apply a ceramic coating to a new car.

It keeps the exterior looking clean longer and eliminates the need for waxing.

one person who lived it

Have your insurance agent contact the DMV about lost titles, as their inquiries may carry more weight.

Requests coming from insurance agents help.

one person who lived it

Contact consumer advocacy groups like the AA or AAA if you believe you have been unfairly treated by towing or parking companies.

They may offer to pay court costs to gain publicity or motivate government regulation.

one person who lived it

Base your decision to buy a daily driver on documented maintenance records rather than owner claims.

Paperwork provides verifiable evidence of care, unlike verbal assurances.

one person who lived it

Check luxury dealerships' used inventories for older cars.

They want to clear old stock and should uphold their reputation through thorough checks.

one person who lived it

Keep and repair current vehicles instead of purchasing new ones.

Many American consumers decide to do this to save money.

one person who lived it

Exclude fixed costs like insurance, registration, and finance charges from per-mile driving cost calculations.

These costs are incurred regardless of whether the specific trip is taken.

one person who lived it

Avoid buying new cars solely to appear successful or keep up with others, as this creates unnecessary financial burden.

Buying status symbols costs more money than necessary.

one person who lived it

Get a professional second opinion before purchasing a salvage vehicle if you lack expertise.

Visible damage like a rear-end hit does not guarantee that the structural integrity has not been compromised.

one person who lived it

Walk away from any seller who demands cash payment before allowing a test drive, as this is likely a scam.

one person who lived it

Avoid buying cosmetic warranties, except possibly for wheel and tire protection if it is cheap and has unlimited miles.

One person reported it saved them money; however, do not insure consumables if you cannot afford to replace them outright.

• Results may vary (ymmv)

one person who lived it

View the CarFax report directly on the official website rather than trusting a digital copy provided by the seller.

Digital copies are easy to alter.

one person who lived it

Avoid mall car giveaways, as they are typically schemes to harvest your data for timeshare companies or marketers.

The cars are often on loan and the primary goal is to collect information to build consumer profiles or sell to other companies.

one person who lived it

Research used car market values by browsing completed eBay auctions before attending an auto auction.

This shows what people are actually paying for cars.

one person who lived it

Consider Carmax for purchasing used cars as they stand behind their vehicles.

They are described as a very good company.

one person who lived it

Expect to search extensively, potentially finding only one highly desirable car deal per year.

Finding a good deal requires significant effort and time.

one person who lived it

Install a CarPlay or Android Auto touchscreen in an older car for a few hundred dollars to refresh it for less than one new car payment.

one person who lived it

Consider leasing if you are not mechanically inclined and dislike dealing with car repairs.

Leasing is worthwhile for those who hate visiting the mechanic.

one person who lived it

Pay off debt with interest rates higher than any high-yield savings account or investment yield before investing or saving for a car.

one person who lived it

Check your public library's online resources for access to Chilton Manuals.

Many libraries provide access to these manuals online.

2 people, independently

Search for auto auctions near major population centers or centralized junkyards servicing urban cores.

Auto auctions are a local phenomenon, and cheapest cars are sold where they were originally located.

one person who lived it

Be cautious when buying used cars far from recent hurricane zones, as flood-damaged vehicles are often shipped away without salvage titles.

Flood-damaged cars totaled in disaster areas are frequently transported to distant dealers and auctioned off without their titles being updated to reflect the damage.

one person who lived it

Wear proper protective clothing and educate yourself on scooter handling techniques to cut down on the probability of disaster.

It helps save gas and minimizes risk.

one person who lived it

Request certification paperwork with specific Repair Order numbers to verify that a 'certified' used car meets manufacturer standards.

Independent lots may use the word 'certified' deceptively to imply high quality without manufacturer backing.

one person who lived it

Be skeptical of 'certified' labels from independent dealers who are not authorized by the vehicle manufacturer.

Such lots often sell auction cars and use the label purposefully deceitfully since they lack authorization to certify those brands.

one person who lived it

Recognize that public transit is often nonexistent or inadequate for those living outside major cities.

• Public transit is described as a nightmare for rural Americans and those not living in a city.

one person who lived it

Fix minor mechanical problems and replace tires on your current car to improve the driving experience rather than replacing it immediately.

The user no longer hated driving the car after these fixes.

one person who lived it

Be prepared to run vehicle history reports and check manufacturer options lists immediately when a car appears at auction.

Cars are on the block very quickly, so familiarity with the car's value is extremely important.

one person who lived it

Send a package to the DMV containing pre-paid FedEx envelopes, a letter explaining circumstances, and copies of documentation to expedite lost title requests.

One person reported success with this method.

one person who lived it

Avoid overpaying for perceived quality; consider cheaper alternatives if they offer similar reliability.

3 people, independently

Check for outstanding recalls to gauge how diligently the previous owner maintained the vehicle.

Careful owners typically address recall repairs promptly.

one person who lived it

Understand that pre-purchase inspections primarily prevent buying lemons rather than guaranteeing price reductions, though they can save significant money by avoiding major losses.

one person who lived it

Be wary of buying big-ticket items from friends, as relationship strain can occur if repairs turn out to be costly despite your initial assessment.

one person who lived it

If you have an extended warranty, consider keeping a separate fund for maintenance and repairs until it expires.

one person who lived it

Be wary of cars with rebuilt motors.

It is not a selling point like it is for classic cars.

one person who lived it

Buy well-maintained 90s Honda Civics, as their value has bottomed out and they are reliable with good fuel economy.

Depreciation is minimal, and they can last forever. Pre-hybrid models can get 30-60 mpg depending on driving.

2 people, independently

Look for older, well-maintained Toyotas or Hondas.

They are reliable and parts are easy to find.

one person who lived it

Look for car models with a production history of over 10 years and a cult following.

It makes finding repair videos or posts easier when you need to fix something.

one person who lived it

Avoid older Toyota trucks equipped with the 1990s 3.4-liter V6 engine.

These engines are prone to frequent head gasket failures.

one person who lived it

Consider older GM Cavaliers for reliability and low-cost parts.

They are reported to reach high mileage and remain functional despite poor aesthetics.

• They are not pretty.

one person who lived it

Steer clear of vehicles in their first year of release or after major redesigns.

Engineers typically need a few years to resolve issues that are often corrected in later models.

3 people, independently

Avoid buying cheap used luxury cars.

Annual costs for fuel, insurance, and maintenance often equal the purchase price.

one person who lived it

Look into the Chevy Prizm or Geo Prizm as a cheaper alternative to the Toyota Corolla, since they are the same car but rebranded.

Being a Chevy, they are worth less money.

one person who lived it

• Consider buying rebranded Toyotas like the Pontiac Vibe or Chevy/Geo Prism.1

Avoid buying Jaguars if you want to avoid high maintenance costs.

They are notably absent from lists of low-maintenance cars.

one person who lived it

Reject claims that hybrids require less maintenance, as they contain the same parts as regular cars plus a large battery.

The claim of less maintenance is described as a flat lie.

one person who lived it

Avoid buying old, high-mileage cars if you lack the space, tools, or skills to perform your own repairs.

Mechanics are expensive and often incompetent or untrustworthy, while self-maintenance is becoming less feasible as cars become more disposable.

one person who lived it

Stick with Honda Civics or Accords if you live near a pick-a-part yard, as parts are plentiful and cheap.

Parts are plentiful and cheap, making replacing broken features less difficult.

one person who lived it

Call local parts stores to price out and check availability for common replacement parts before buying a specific used model.

To avoid buying a cheap car that requires expensive repairs, such as a $400 Mazda 3 needing a $1000 fuel pump.

one person who lived it

Consider buying Hyundai Accents for reliability, but do not expect a nice ride.

They are cheap and go forever.

one person who lived it

Service your older car before deciding to replace it.

Servicing can extend its useful life and delay the need for a new purchase.

one person who lived it

Look for cars owned by elderly people who lent them to family for emergencies, as these often have low mileage and regular maintenance.

These cars get used often enough to require maintenance but accumulate low mileage.

one person who lived it

Treat very cheap cars as 'do not resuscitate' vehicles: ensure they pass emissions and safety tests, then drive them until they fail rather than spending heavily on repairs.

Repair costs can easily exceed the vehicle's value.

one person who lived it

If you are on a budget, choose reliable non-luxury brands like the Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic.

These engines last forever.

one person who lived it

If used vehicles are expensive in your area, pay for small repairs on an older car as long as no major issues are imminent.

High used vehicle costs make repairing an existing car a viable option.

one person who lived it

Keep driving your current car, as it is almost always the most affordable option.

It provides the best economic return compared to buying a new vehicle.

one person who lived it

Focus on buying cars with low maintenance and upkeep costs, regardless of the initial purchase price.

Even a depreciated luxury car retains the high maintenance and upkeep costs associated with its original class.

one person who lived it

Consider that expensive cars may be repaired more often because the cost of repair is less than the cost of replacement.

A new engine may be cheaper than writing off the whole car as a loss.

one person who lived it

Look for cars owned by someone upgrading to a newer model of the same make or model.

Owners who upgrade within the same brand likely took care of their previous car because they loved it.

one person who lived it

Avoid Subarus manufactured before 2003 due to head gasket issues, and be cautious with 2003 to 2009 models which had similar problems.

These models suffered from head gasket failures.

one person who lived it

Consider C5 or newer Chevrolet Corvettes that were owned by retired people and kept in garages.

They are surprisingly reliable under these conditions.

one person who lived it

Recommend Asian import cars for high salt or humidity areas.

They lack bare metal and have high quality, resisting rust better than older cars in these conditions.

one person who lived it

Be diligent with oil changes and maintenance, and drive gently, to extend the lifespan of a reliable used car like a 2006 Corolla.

This approach results in shop visits similar to those required when leasing.

one person who lived it

Consider scooters for high fuel efficiency.

Some scooters achieve very high miles per gallon.

one person who lived it

Consider buying used Lexus or Acura vehicles for reliability and lower long-term costs due to shared parts with Honda.

Lexus is considered the best used car buy, and Acura uses pieces from Honda counterparts, making parts accessible.

• One person reported terrible build quality and cosmetic issues with Honda vehicles despite mechanical reliability.

one person who lived it

Buy Toyotas or well-built Hondas for reasonable service costs.

Cars and service are reasonably priced.

one person who lived it

Buy parts yourself and follow short online videos to perform simple maintenance like changing spark plugs or air filters.

one person who lived it

Consider late 2000s Hyundai Accent or Elantra, or Pontiac Vibe, as reliable and cheaper alternatives to Japanese brands.

These models are reported to be reliable and cost less than their Japanese counterparts.

one person who lived it

Avoid Sunfire, Dart, and Cavalier models.

They are described as terrible cars.

one person who lived it

Focus on reliability over fuel economy when choosing a used car.

Repair costs can quickly exceed the money saved on gas.

one person who lived it

Factor in the time off work and annoyance of repairs when comparing cheap old cars to newer ones.

Older cars carry more risk of needing repairs or replacements that require taking time off or cause driving interruptions.

one person who lived it

Consider motorcycles as a frugal and fast transportation alternative, but acknowledge the safety risks.

Motorcycles are frugal and go fast, but are definitely not safe.

• Definitely not safe.

one person who lived it

Upgrade small components like the stereo system to improve the driving experience.

It made a 'light years of difference' in the experience.

one person who lived it

Get insurance quotes before committing to a specific car model, as premiums vary by vehicle.

Some vehicles, like Civics, have expensive premiums.

one person who lived it

Reduce transportation costs by choosing a sensible location relative to work and using alternative transport like biking or walking.

These strategies save more money than simply choosing a cheaper gas-powered car.

one person who lived it

Consider downsizing to a smaller, more fuel-efficient car if your current vehicle feels too large.

3 people, independently

Consider a Toyota Prius C if you want lower insurance rates compared to a Yaris or Corolla, and note that one retiree reported filling their gas tank only every 40-60 days.

• The low fuel usage report is from a retiree who drives less than usual.

one person who lived it

Consider older cars with low driving positions, manual transmissions, and loud exhausts for a fun, go-kart-like driving experience.

These features provide predictable grip, zero distractions, and tight turning capabilities.

one person who lived it

Consider a Pontiac Sunfire or Chevrolet Cavalier for reliability.

One owner reported a 2001 Pontiac Sunfire running fine after 130,000 miles.

2 people, independently

Consider Crown Victorias or similar Ford/Lincoln models.

The engines are reportedly bulletproof and spare parts are abundant.

one person who lived it

Perform regular basic maintenance including oil changes, filter changes, tire rotations, and tune-ups.

Regular maintenance is emphasized as the key factor in extending vehicle life, with wrecks being the primary alternative cause of failure.

one person who lived it

Consider a Toyota Camry for long-term reliability, noting that one owner reported 260,000 miles of service despite oil consumption issues.

• One owner reported the vehicle burns through oil.

one person who lived it

Choose older used vehicle models that remain common on the road.

High numbers of vehicles in operation suggest greater reliability and continued availability of replacement parts.

one person who lived it

Consider that some Ford models, particularly trucks, may last longer if they receive proper maintenance, while cheaper models may be neglected.

Expensive choices often get the best maintenance, while less expensive choices may be neglected by owners who cheap out on maintenance.

one person who lived it

Avoid buying very old, cheap econoboxes like the Chevy Chevette.

These vehicles are often in poor condition, with many having nearly everything replaced or burning excessive amounts of oil.

one person who lived it

Ask professional drivers, such as taxi or airport shuttle operators, about part longevity and common maintenance issues for specific car models.

One person learned about replacement schedules by consulting drivers who use Prius or hybrid Camrys.

one person who lived it

Consider that a 1997 Toyota Tercel can remain operational after accumulating over 300,000 miles.

one person who lived it

Change the oil even if the vehicle is sitting, as it breaks down over time.

Oil breaks down over time.

one person who lived it

Ensure tires are in good condition.

Bad tires mean the car is not functioning out of the gate.

one person who lived it

Look for missing dealership stickers or VIN/tire pressure labels in the door frame.

If a brand new car lacks these, it has probably been wrecked.

one person who lived it

Check if the oil is transparent brown rather than cloudy or black via the dipstick.

Low or cloudy oil suggests poor maintenance or a leak.

one person who lived it

Inspect transmission fluid; it should be cherry red with a benign smell, not burning.

A hot or burning smell may indicate trouble.

one person who lived it

Ask the seller to wait until you arrive before starting the vehicle.

This allows you to hear the cold start; if it is running upon arrival, leave.

one person who lived it

Watch for excessive white smoke from the exhaust.

It can indicate a blown head gasket, a warped or cracked head, or turbo issues.

one person who lived it

Check the differential fluid and replace it with the correct type if it sounds grumbly.

Using the wrong fluid (like ATF) can cause noise; using the correct fluid (MTF) can quiet it.

one person who lived it

Choose a dirt or champagne colored car if you want a vehicle where dirt is less visible.

You can never tell these cars are dirty.

one person who lived it

Drive past buildings with windows down to hear strange noises echoing off walls.

Echoes can reveal sounds like brakes making noise.

one person who lived it

Pull back the carpets to check for trapped sand, silt, or rust stains from loose metal.

These materials can be trapped underneath and indicate water intrusion.

one person who lived it

Check oil levels much more often than every fill-up in Subarus.

Subarus can consume oil.

one person who lived it

If the radio volume is maxed or bass/treble are pumped during a test drive, suspect the owner is masking engine noises and walk away.

Owners often turn up audio when the car starts making noises.

one person who lived it

Use the correct octane gas required by your car to avoid engine damage and poor fuel economy.

Using the wrong octane ruins the engine and results in worse mpg, causing long-term costs that outweigh short-term savings.

one person who lived it

Pull back weather stripping around door jams to check for different paint colors underneath.

This reveals if the car was poorly repainted.

one person who lived it

Check for orange peel texture in paint and overspray in wheel wells.

Orange peel indicates a panel was repainted and is not perfectly smooth.

one person who lived it

During a test drive, run the car until it reaches operating temperature to reveal leaks.

Leaks are more likely to appear when the vehicle is hot.

one person who lived it

Expect Saturn S-Series cars to burn oil due to a design issue where pistons lack drainback holes, causing carbon buildup and seal failure.

Without drain holes, oil is forced into the combustion chamber when rings wear out.

one person who lived it

• Expect increased oil consumption in Saturn S-Series cars due to a tendency for pistons to crack.1

Inspect the air filter for black soot or oil dampness.

It indicates an internal leak and expensive repair.

one person who lived it

Pull out kick panels or door panels to check for silt accumulation in low points, which indicates water intrusion.

Silt settles in low points when water enters the vehicle.

one person who lived it

Check for rust carefully and walk away if you see structural rust, distinguishing it from harmless surface rust.

Structural rust is a car killer.

one person who lived it

Watch online videos to learn how to check oil, tires, body condition, VIN, rust, and exhaust to identify lemons without a mechanic.

This knowledge helps ensure the car you inspect is not a lemon.

one person who lived it

Check for head gasket issues in Subarus before buying.

Subarus have notoriously bad head gasket issues, with some models needing replacements at 70,000 miles.

one person who lived it

Be cautious of cars with exposed chains or sprockets.

Exposed chains can rub against components like rear forks, causing wear, and may catch clothing.

one person who lived it

Inspect headlights, taillights, and windows for marker or grease pen marks.

These marks indicate an unreported accident occurred on the lot.

one person who lived it

Check the vehicle's VIN on the NHTSA website to identify any outstanding recalls that have not yet been fixed.

Several models had fixable recalls during that time period.

one person who lived it

Listen for squeaking, grinding, or clunking noises in used cars to identify potential mechanical issues.

These are the most common signs that something is wrong with the vehicle.

one person who lived it

Use a paint thickness meter to detect bodywork that may not appear in history reports like AutoCheck or Carfax.

These reports only display events reported to insurance.

one person who lived it

During a test drive, sit quietly to listen for strange sounds and feel for unusual vibrations that differ from other cars.

Strange noises or feelings often indicate underlying issues.

one person who lived it

Check if doors are shutting completely to prevent parasitic electrical leaks caused by pins not pressing in correctly.

A pin not being pressed in prevents the vehicle from shutting off electrical components.

one person who lived it

Inspect oil condition, air filters, and spark plugs during a pre-purchase inspection to verify maintenance history.

Clean parts indicate good maintenance; dirty or worn parts indicate neglect.

one person who lived it

Use only the engine oil type and viscosity recommended by the manufacturer, even if it costs more.

Manufacturers have strict guidelines on what works with their engines.

one person who lived it

Request the detailed Carfax report and inspect the vehicle for signs of bodywork such as mismatching screws or overspray.

Physical inspection can reveal obvious repair work that might not be immediately apparent.

one person who lived it

Walk away immediately if a test drive reveals mechanical issues like a check engine light or transmission noise.

one person who lived it

Imply you are financing with poor credit rather than stating you are paying cash.

Sellers may lowball your trade-in if they know you are paying cash; implying poor credit shifts focus to the back end.

one person who lived it

Do not tell the dealer you are paying cash.

Dealers may provide worse service because financing is a major source of their profit.

one person who lived it

Lock in the trade-in value before discussing any other aspects of the deal.

Dealers want to lowball you by implying it will cost them a lot to get the vehicle sell-ready.

one person who lived it

Consider Kelley Blue Book's guaranteed cash offer as an alternative to private sales if you want a good price with less hassle.

One person found it offers an excellent price and known dealer acceptance, though not as high as Craigslist.

• The price may not be as high as a private sale on Craigslist.

one person who lived it

Research maintenance costs and part prices before agreeing to expensive services at dealerships.

Dealerships may charge more than the actual cost of parts and labor for simple tasks.

one person who lived it

Buy from wholesale dealers who purchase vehicles through auctions to save money upfront.

They have a smaller markup than other sellers.

• You take on the risk that the vehicle may need work.

one person who lived it

Challenge 'as is' sales from dealerships if major safety defects like faulty airbags are present.

Dealers may be held accountable for such defects, as illustrated by a case where a dealer performed a $1200 repair after being asked about selling a vehicle with faulty airbags.

one person who lived it

Present existing financing offers to the dealer to potentially secure a lower interest rate.

Dealers may match or beat your existing rate to close the deal.

one person who lived it

• Secure financing from a credit union at a low rate before negotiating with the dealer, then use it as leverage.1
• Arrange financing independently before visiting a dealership to use pre-approved rates as leverage in negotiations.1

Visit dealerships late on Saturday nights at the end of the month.

Sales pressure from end-of-month reports may help you get what you want.

one person who lived it

Refuse aftermarket add-ons like nitrogen tires or paint coatings, as they cost the dealer only $50-$100 and are not required; threatening to walk may get them removed.

These packages cost the dealer little ($50 - $100) and are not required; one person had them crossed off after threatening to walk.

one person who lived it

Threaten to bring a spouse back the next day to see the car if the price isn't lowered, leveraging the dealer's investment of time.

The dealer has spent hours with you and doesn't want to risk losing you.

one person who lived it

Hire an auto broker who charges a fixed fee to handle all negotiations for you.

A fixed fee can save significant money and reduce stress compared to negotiating directly.

one person who lived it

Buy from private party sellers rather than dealerships.

Dealers are described as trying to disadvantage buyers through fees and slick sales tactics.

2 people, independently

Scrutinize the tax calculation on the purchase document to ensure the rate matches your local state tax.

Dealers may inflate it as a markup without explicitly stating the percentage.

one person who lived it

Check for automaker volume bonuses that incentivize dealers to sell below cost at month-end.

Managers may sell vehicles under invoice to reach bonus thresholds.

one person who lived it

Shop around and be ready to buy immediately when you find a real deal, as it will not wait for you.

a real deal isn't going to wait around for you

one person who lived it

Email the internet sales manager your exact requirements and state you will buy that week from whoever gives the best price.

This is better than calling dealerships.

one person who lived it

• Email multiple dealerships with specific requirements to solicit competitive bids rather than calling.1

Try to leave the dealership during negotiations to force a better price.

Salesmen view negotiation as a game, and attempting to leave is an effective move.

one person who lived it

Visit dealerships where salespeople are paid hourly rather than on commission to reduce price pressure.

They will focus on finding a vehicle that fits your budget rather than maximizing the sale price.

one person who lived it

Understand that a salesman may focus on upselling packages over closing a low-margin deal if they are already commissionable.

They may earn more money by selling the whole package than by letting you walk without it.

one person who lived it

Be wary of upselling attempts at the service department.

The Service Department operates as a Sales Department where upselling is the game, and they have fewer morals than the front-end sales team.

one person who lived it

Leave immediately if a salesman uses a 'four square' grid to calculate numbers.

This method is designed to confuse buyers.

one person who lived it

Ask the dealership not to apply decals or emblems with their logo; if they refuse, ask for a price drop or walk away before signing.

You are not obligated to advertise them, and removal is difficult.

one person who lived it

Shop online with internet sales managers to get real pricing without visiting dealerships.

It avoids spending hours at dealerships dealing with high-pressure tactics from sales staff.

one person who lived it

Check the manufacturer’s website directly for special interest rates instead of relying on dealer quotes.

Dealers often hide available special rates.

one person who lived it

Understand that the sales manager, not the salesperson, controls the final price.

Salespeople have zero control over the offer amount.

2 people, independently

Use Consumer Reports' competitive bidding service to get good prices.

It can result in ridiculous good prices.

one person who lived it

Ask to see the dealer invoice and manufacturer incentives to demonstrate knowledge.

Asking shows the salesperson you are informed, which may deter tricks.

• The dealer will most likely say no

one person who lived it

Research fair market prices online and justify your offer with that data.

Knowing the fair market value gives you leverage to present to a manager.

one person who lived it

Be respectful to the salesperson.

They are more inclined to argue with management on your behalf if you haven't been standoffish.

one person who lived it

Search for deals on Craigslist, potentially having family members help monitor listings.

One person found an awesome deal with their father's help checking listings constantly due to his free time.

one person who lived it

Provide exact vehicle specifications to dealers online or by phone, as they are no longer required to demand an in-person visit for pricing.

The internet allows dealers to handle requests without requiring a physical presence.

one person who lived it

File a chargeback with your bank to resolve deposit disputes instead of returning to the dealership.

Returning gives them an opportunity to harass or delay you further.

one person who lived it

Negotiate a price reduction or payment in exchange for keeping dealer advertisements on your vehicle.

3 people, independently

Use quotes from third-party services to negotiate a higher trade-in value.

2 people, independently

Drive a competitor's car from one dealership to another during a test drive to leverage their offer against the first dealer.

The second salesman will likely give you a decent price upon realizing you are driving his competition's car, which you can then use to get a rebuttal from the first dealer.

one person who lived it

Research the invoice price and factory options of the specific vehicle before negotiating.

Knowing the dealership's cost allows you to understand the existing profit margin rather than blindly guessing.

one person who lived it

Allow a few days of leeway for payment collection to ensure it counts toward the salesperson's quarterly target.

Payment generally needs to be collected within the quarter to count.

one person who lived it

Be wary of dealerships that dishonestly manage reservation lists by selling vehicles to the highest bidder rather than honoring deposits.

They use vehicle allotments to generate the most revenue.

one person who lived it

Check the dealership's parts website for prices before buying in person to potentially save money.

one person who lived it

Shop around for detailing services by comparing local independent shops and mobile detailers against dealership prices.

You can get better quality details for less money at reputable independent shops, and any service available at a dealership can be found elsewhere for cheaper.

one person who lived it

Negotiate ruthlessly with private sellers, recognizing that their primary goal is to get your money.

one person who lived it

Attach a top-tube protector made from old tire tubes with velcro to prevent scratches on the bike frame.

It helps keep scratches off the frame.

one person who lived it

Pop off inner door panels to inspect for hidden water damage.

Water damage cannot be hidden.

one person who lived it

Consider buying a replacement bumper from a junkyard or eBay instead of attempting DIY paint repairs on flexible bumper parts.

DIY paint repairs on flexible bumpers often fail, and buying a used part may be a better option.

one person who lived it

Inspect wiring carefully in former police cars.

Stripped and patched electronics from removed computer equipment can lead to weird issues that are hard to diagnose.

one person who lived it

Avoid specific Ford Taurus models equipped with gear-driven water pumps due to very expensive repairs.

The repair is described as VERY expensive.

one person who lived it

Stretch the seat belt retractors fully to examine the end of the mechanism for evidence of water intrusion or debris.

3 people, independently

Check for manufacturer recalls on your specific car model before paying for repairs, as covered parts may be replaced for free.

Recalls can cover known issues like transmission failures, allowing for free replacement of components such as converters and manifolds.

one person who lived it

Be cautious about buying Nissan Altimas, as simple repairs like changing a headlamp may require removing the bumper.

The design makes basic maintenance complex and difficult.

one person who lived it

Replace the water pump, timing belt, and tensioners simultaneously on modern engines.

Water pumps are commonly centered in engines, making simultaneous replacement efficient.

one person who lived it

Test the wiper arms during inspection.

They are a deceptively expensive repair, even with salvaged parts.

one person who lived it

Follow the manufacturer's 'severe duty cycle' maintenance schedule if you drive primarily in city traffic.

This typically requires more frequent fluid changes.

one person who lived it