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3 Things to Consider When Buying a Used Car

There’s no doubt that buying a second hand car is a great way to save a lot of money, especially if you do it online at Motors. However, it’s equally as important to ensure that what you do but is the real deal. While most used autos these days are of very high quality, it’s always better to be safe than sorry isn’t it? With that in mind, here are 3 important things to do when viewing a used car.

Firstly, you should always be prepared to get down and dirty to give the car a thorough going over as this will reveal any obvious faults that would need fixing. Check everything from the wheel arches to the engine. Get in and press all the buttons you can find in the cabin, and adjust the seat to a comfortable position. Basically, if you walk away without dirty hands, you haven’t had a good enough look. Full Story

In Market for a Used Car?

12 Step Program for Buying a Used Car by Courtney Caldwell

1. Do Your Homework
Identify what you want before going to a dealership. Since your choices may be limited by what you can afford, determine your monthly costs before you do anything. Make a list of expenses to own the car including insurance, maintenance, gas, and other associated costs. Does it fit into your monthly budget?

2. Go With A Brand Name You Can Trust
Choose a brand name dealer that offers quality certified used cars and backs their products with either a service contract or warranty. Many people fear having a bad experience at a dealership. While many indignities still prevail in some dealerships most brand name dealers usually recognize the importance of treating customers with respect. It’s your responsibility to find a dealer that will treat you with the respect you deserve.

3. Trust Your Instincts
Trust your instincts and apply the years of shopping experience and research skills you've honed from other purchases to the sale of a car. You don't need to know how an engine ticks to buy a car. Trust your instincts about the salesperson and dealership. [Get all 12 tips here]

Tips on How to Buy a Used Hybrid Car

Hybrid vehicles have been on the market since model year 2000, making the option of buying a used one a viable alternative for those who want to go "green" but cannot or are unwilling to make the investment in a new one.

Here, auto expert Lauren Fix seeks to answer questions about buying used by offering consumers tips on "technical service bulletins", ways to get the most for your money and, of course, saving cash at the pump.

As the first generation of hybrid vehicles has made its rounds, many questions arise pertaining to buying a used one (yes, you can buy used!). Most people can only name two or three hybrids on the market, but there are actually 14 new makes and models.

Read related articles on hybrid cars.

"There is not much more of a risk in buying a used hybrid compared to any other used car, as long as you do your homework," says Fix. "If you are comfortable with purchasing a non-hybrid car used, then you should feel comfortable buying a hybrid car used."

Below, find key facts about hybrid vehicles that potential buyers should consider prior to purchase... [read full article]

Driver's Go Online to Learn How to Extend Car's Life

By Famous Rhodes, eBay Motors

Cars and trucks on the road are flat out old – the National Automobile Dealers Association reports that the average age of vehicles on the road is at a 15-year high. This has more and more drivers investing in the maintenance and care of their existing vehicles. To not break the bank on repair costs, these drivers are saving money by fixing and upgrading relatively easy-to-install parts on their vehicles. Drivers are also finding ways to improve the fuel efficiency of their vehicles through do-it-yourself modifications. Where are they finding all of the necessary parts and accessories for these modifications? Online. To save costs, and time, drivers are increasingly turning to the Web to source simple maintenance items such as windshield wiper blades, all the way up to air intake and exhaust systems.
 
A full 90 percent of automotive parts buyers source the internet for information. These shoppers are expected to generate nearly $9 billion in online parts and accessories sales expected by 2014*. Before online shopping, consumers had to go to an auto parts store or a local dealership to find out what part was needed and when it would be in stock if not on the shelf already. If it was an unusual or not widely available part, the wait might be weeks long. Now, consumers can go online to sites such as eBay Motors, simply enter the make and model of their vehicle and quickly find parts that match their car or truck. [Read full article]

Used Cars Finally Get MPG Stickers

Fueleconomy.gov, the U.S. government’s official source for vehicle fuel economy estimates, has added a new tool to help used car buyers make informed fuel economy decisions. Until now, used car buyers, who outnumber new car buyers by 4 to 1, have not had the benefit of an official fuel economy window sticker.

Now, used car sellers can print a window sticker showing their vehicle’s EPA fuel economy estimate to display on their vehicle. The database supporting the new tool includes all vehicle models sold in the United States since 1984. 

Consumers may not know that a vehicle’s fuel economy changes very little over the course of a typical 15-year life, provided it is properly maintained. As a result, the EPA fuel economy estimate remains a good indicator of a used vehicle’s average gas mileage. [Full Story]