Buying a Used Car - Dos and Don"s of Running an Estimated Value Check
If you are looking to buy a used car from a private seller or a used car dealership, you are encouraged to first perform an estimated value check on those vehicles.
This can be done on a number of different websites free of charge; the most popular website to use is the Kelley Blue Book website.
Running an estimated value check on all vehicles you are interested in buying is an easy process, but here are some helpful dos and don'ts that will help to ensure you see accurate and useful information; information that can help you get the best deal.
DO gather as much information about the car as possible.
The Kelley Blue Book website and other similar websites need as much information as possible to perform an accurate estimated value check.
Does the listing say the 2006 Ford Focus has over 100,000 miles? How many miles to be exact? You need to know.
If this information cannot be found in the used car listing, ask the seller before your scheduling showing and test drive.
DON'T wait until the last minute to perform your value check.
Have a showing scheduled tomorrow? Now is the best time to check the vehicle's estimated value.
This enables you to plan ahead.
Is the seller trying to overcharge you for $1,000 or more? If so, you need to decide do you want to see the car and attempt to negotiate the price or do you just want to cancel your test drive? DO enter in valid and accurate information.
It is only natural to want the best deal.
Desperate buyers on a budget are likely to say "well maybe the vehicle is in good shape instead of excellent.
" Good shape, as opposed to excellent, will result in a lower price.
However, most sellers also perform a value check on their vehicle beforehand to ensure they aren't under selling.
You don't want to get caught in a lie, as your negotiations will fail.
DON'T forget to print off the value check you performed.
This is recommended because your print out (on the Kelley Blue Book website) will show the estimated value for the vehicle in excellent, good, and fair condition.
So lets say that excellent Ford Focus is actually in good shape, you automatically are provided with an estimated value either way.
Use this as a guide.
As a last ditch attempt, show the seller the print out and explain you want that price or less or else you'll walk away from the deal.
DO remember that the estimated Kelley Blue Book is a helpful guide for both buyers and sellers, but these prices are not set in stone.
A dealership or a private seller can charge as much as they want for their vehicles.
This means that while the Ford Focus may only be valued at $5,000, the seller can refuse to budge on $6,000 because it is their right.
Use the estimated value to negotiate a better deal.
If you don't get that good deal, try again elsewhere.
This can be done on a number of different websites free of charge; the most popular website to use is the Kelley Blue Book website.
Running an estimated value check on all vehicles you are interested in buying is an easy process, but here are some helpful dos and don'ts that will help to ensure you see accurate and useful information; information that can help you get the best deal.
DO gather as much information about the car as possible.
The Kelley Blue Book website and other similar websites need as much information as possible to perform an accurate estimated value check.
Does the listing say the 2006 Ford Focus has over 100,000 miles? How many miles to be exact? You need to know.
If this information cannot be found in the used car listing, ask the seller before your scheduling showing and test drive.
DON'T wait until the last minute to perform your value check.
Have a showing scheduled tomorrow? Now is the best time to check the vehicle's estimated value.
This enables you to plan ahead.
Is the seller trying to overcharge you for $1,000 or more? If so, you need to decide do you want to see the car and attempt to negotiate the price or do you just want to cancel your test drive? DO enter in valid and accurate information.
It is only natural to want the best deal.
Desperate buyers on a budget are likely to say "well maybe the vehicle is in good shape instead of excellent.
" Good shape, as opposed to excellent, will result in a lower price.
However, most sellers also perform a value check on their vehicle beforehand to ensure they aren't under selling.
You don't want to get caught in a lie, as your negotiations will fail.
DON'T forget to print off the value check you performed.
This is recommended because your print out (on the Kelley Blue Book website) will show the estimated value for the vehicle in excellent, good, and fair condition.
So lets say that excellent Ford Focus is actually in good shape, you automatically are provided with an estimated value either way.
Use this as a guide.
As a last ditch attempt, show the seller the print out and explain you want that price or less or else you'll walk away from the deal.
DO remember that the estimated Kelley Blue Book is a helpful guide for both buyers and sellers, but these prices are not set in stone.
A dealership or a private seller can charge as much as they want for their vehicles.
This means that while the Ford Focus may only be valued at $5,000, the seller can refuse to budge on $6,000 because it is their right.
Use the estimated value to negotiate a better deal.
If you don't get that good deal, try again elsewhere.