just a tip!!!
i realised buying sumthing xpensive really make us felt confused sumtimes....so,kpd teman2 yg nak beli kereta;this is sum tips dat i've got from a teen's site..quite useful i think...:)
I. Where to Buy Used Cars
Private Party Sales
This is where many people get their used cars. Newspapers, auto trader magazines and even cable TV are full of ads for cars, vans and trucks that are for sale by individuals. We see four key points in dealing with a private party. We think its a good idea to ensure that you are really dealing with a private individual and not a dealer. Ask if the seller is a dealer. If he is a dealer and the ad did not disclose that he is a dealer, move on. This is not someone we would trust.
Remember you are not getting any guarantee. In the absence of outright fraud, you have nearly no recourse against a private party.
It may be safest to buy from someone you know, especially if you know that they had few problems with the car and took care of it properly. However, a drawback of any business deal made between friends is that if there is a problem with the deal then the friendship can be jeopardized.
If you don't know the person, take a look at their house and how they dress. If the outside of their house is a mess and they are not clean in their personal habits, it is unlikely that they took proper care of the vehicle.
When you have finally negotiated a price and are picking up your vehicle from a private seller, you will need a written bill of sale.
II. How to Negotiate a Price When Buying a Used Car
Private sale -- A sale between two private individuals. No dealer is involved. If buying from a private party, you should pay less than retail.
Standard Equipment and Options -- Standard and optional equipment pricing is one of the most important parts of buying or selling a used car. Many consumers pay extra for "options" that are actually part of a vehicle's standard equipment. Unless indicated otherwise, the price for each model of each vehicle includes:
automatic transmission
air conditioning
power brakes
power steering
am-fm stereo
You must adjust the price if this equipment is not present on the vehicle or if other options are on the vehicle. The dollar amounts to be added or deducted are listed with each vehicle. There are differences in how standard equipment and options are treated for cars and vans, pickups and sport utilities.
For cars, if equipment is not listed in the Add or Deduct sections of each model it is either standard or does not affect its value. When pricing cars, do not add or deduct for equipment that is not listed with the model.
For vans, pickups and sport utility vehicles, you must consult the truck equipment table to price equipment or accessories not shown with the model if those items are present on the vehicle.
Condition -- All prices assume that the vehicle is "clean" and in good mechanical condition. For vehicles not up to this standard, reconditioning or repair costs should be deducted. Vehicles in superior condition usually command a premium, typically from 5-10%.
Availability -- Refers to supply and demand. If particularly "hot" and in great demand with a limited supply, you can expect to pay a premium for the vehicle. Local classifieds can give you a feel for availability of a model.
Also check Automotive News in your local library. They publish new car inventories and dealer rebates on new cars. You may not think this would impact used car prices, but if the new car version of the used model you are considering has a large dealer inventory or big rebate, late model used car prices may be temporarily pushed down.
Mileage Adjustments -- Autosite's Book Value Report calculates an add or deduct for mileage. Adjustments to the value can not be more than 50 percent of the vehicle's wholesale cost, regardless of mileage.
Regional Differences -- The prices in this data are national. There are occasionally some regional differences. However, they represent 2 to 3 percent of the price at most. Sellers may try to claim regional variances to inflate prices beyond reasonable levels.
Warranties -- The used vehicle may have a warranty that can be transferred to you. You will need to sign a warranty transfer. Extended warranties will most likely be offered by a dealer, but at a price. You may be able to use an extended warranty as a bargaining chip. You may be able to get a lower price on the vehicle if you pay for the extended warranty. Or you may get the warranty added to the deal at no additional cost.
Dealer Books -- Dealers and other sellers will try to get the most out of you, whether buying or selling. When you visit a dealer, they may have a number of dealer price guides that they will use to justify a price.
In general, dealer guides tend to have high retail prices with large markups over wholesale prices. They usually represent the price that a dealer starts out at in negotiating. They will almost always take less than the dealer book retail price or their original asking price.Remember that in pricing a car, as in all parts of the buying process, your instincts are your best guide. If there is anything that doesn't feel right about the deal -- walk away.
Negotiating -- After you have done your homework and arrived at what you think is a fair price, do not be afraid to stand your ground. Dealers do this for a living and, no matter what they may say, will not be insulted by a buyer who haggles.
A final point in pricing is to make any agreement subject to a professional inspection by a mechanic or diagnostic service. That way, any repairs should be deducted from the price or fixed at no charge to you.