In today’s auto market you should have no problem finding the car of your dreams at a knockdown price. Car dealers are falling over themselves for your custom. But where is the best place to source a used car bargain. In this guide we have covered all the options open to you and the pro’s and con’s of each.
Government Auctions
Always a popular choice, your local government auction where the government offloads the cars it seizes for non payment of tax and other violations of the law.
If you’re not looking for any particular make of car and just want a cheap run around then this is a good option. There’s always a large selection available to choose from, so you should be able to find something that suits you.
On the downside if you’re after a specific make or model then you may be out of look. Unless it’s a particularly popular car, you’re unlikely to find one that exactly matches your specification and colour.
Online
Going online is now the first place most people look for a used car, eBay being perhaps the most popular place to start. There are literally thousands of cars to choose from so you’ll be spoilt for choice.
If you know the kind of car you want and are after a specific make and colour then this is the first place you should look. You might have to travel to get it, but you should be able to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Local
Paper This is the second most popular place to look for a car. While the selection isn’t as large as you’ll find on the internet there should still be a huge range to choose from, so long as you’re not too picky. Remember if you’re not mechanically minded always take a friend with you to check the car over.
This should save you from having any nasty surprises when you get it home.
Local
Dealer
Sometimes overlooked by people looking for a used car bargain, your dealer is nevertheless a place you should go. Times are hard right now for car dealers so they’re unlikely to turn down any serious offer. And because you’re buying from a dealer you’ll still be able to get a warranty which could be worth thousands in its self.
Remember never pay the ticket price; always drive a hard bargain, especially at the moment. Most dealers at the moment will be willing to accept the trade price or at least just above it so deal hard and you could come away with a real bargain.
