Where do you guys buy used cars?

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DietDrThunder

Platinum Member
Apr 6, 2001
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I'm having a real hard time finding a decent, reasonably priced used car for my daughter's first car. I've tried looking at so called "By Owner" cars and find that when I run a CarFax, the cars were sold at action and have Salvage Titles. This is after I specifically ask via phone call if the car has a Salvage or Rebuilt Title, and I'm always lied to. I've also gone to several dealerships in the area. When I've looked at the CarFax of these cars, they turn out to be former rental cars with fairly high mileage.

I'm open to suggestions as to where to look next.
 

boomhower

Diamond Member
Sep 13, 2007
7,228
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I use a local used car dealer. He buys solid cars and sells at reasonable prices. Doesn't sell junk and doesn't ask a fortune. I ask friends and coworkers of places they've bought from and how it went. Once you find a good dealership your life will be a lot easier. My employer and most coworkers buy from him so it goes a long way to do your business right.
 

Tweak155

Lifer
Sep 23, 2003
11,448
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Dealers. Easiest to undercut to a price I want and I have somewhere to go after if something goes really bad.
 

EagleKeeper

Discussion Club Moderator<br>Elite Member
Staff member
Oct 30, 2000
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Both new dealer (cars coming off lease or rental agency fleet) or a used car dealer that had a good reputation.

When I have been in market, Iet the new car place know what i am looking for. They will contact if something shows.

Otherwise, I have paid attention to ads and trolled lots.
 

smackababy

Lifer
Oct 30, 2008
27,024
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All the used cars I've purchased have been through people I know. I bought my Datsun 240 from the mechanic I always used and trusted, my 65' Nova from a mechanic friend, and an Eclipse from a cousin.

If it isn't a new car, I try to stay away from people I don't know or trust. Maybe I am just too skeptical of strangers.
 

Meghan54

Lifer
Oct 18, 2009
11,684
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I will look anywhere, but really concentrate my searches with new car dealers and a few used car dealers. Of course, this assumes you're looking for a vehicle in good condition and expect to keep it for a few years. New car dealers' used car lots tend to have higher quality vehicles vs. private ads....not always, certainly.....and the majority of used car dealers. After all, where do you think the used car dealers get their vehicles?

From auctions of used cars that new car dealers take in trade and are dumping, the vehicles they won't keep on their used lot. So, used car dealers are getting, for the most part, the rejects from new car dealers.


Now, on the other hand, if I'm looking for a beater, I'll never set foot on a new dealer's lot. Instead, Craigslist and other resources. I'd be trolling different areas because I'd be looking for a different type of vehicle.
 

thedarkwolf

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 1999
9,005
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Wherever I can get the best deal. My last few have been off owners and found on craigslist. Think I've only bought 2 cars off a dealer. Guess I should ad I buy older cars so it is rare to find one on a dealer lot. As little as I drive I don't see much point in spending more than $2k to $4k on a car.
 
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Jimzz

Diamond Member
Oct 23, 2012
4,399
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I use eBay, Craigslist, autotrader, and cars.com when looking.

Just got a new to me 2009 CTS with performance package for $19k with 29k miles. That was at a dealer and better priced than any private seller.
 

mvbighead

Diamond Member
Apr 20, 2009
3,793
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CL, truecar, autotrader, etc. Lots of small dealerships use CL as free advertising. Some spam the heck out of it though reposting a vehicle 30 times a month.

With CL, you just have to know what you're doing. Eventually the right type of thing will pop up. Check dealer ratings etc. after you identify something, and you may find a good place.
 

pandemonium

Golden Member
Mar 17, 2011
1,777
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Autotrader and enthusiast forums. Then again, I was looking for something specific, so the forums made more sense and ended up being where I got the best results for my particular needs.

Best thing to do (if you're serious about buying a car and not just browsing to see what's available), is get an unlimited Autocheck license and any potentials run the VIN through their validation and history report. It's $45 for serious peace of mind and you can literally use it unlimitedly until you apply the title protection. A worthwhile investment for total peace of mind.
 

Mide

Golden Member
Mar 27, 2008
1,547
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I often buy and sell cars off of Craigslist. It's littered with crap including salvage titles and cars that can't pass smog but all you have to do is read the descriptions and you'll know the legit ones from the garbage. The legit ones usually sound like they are written by a person who passed HS. They give a lot of details of the condition and history and the best ones are those who say they have a full maintenance history including receipts. If the description of a car has all this info, the carfax usually passes as A-OK.

Other places are "good" dealers that have fair prices. There are 2 dealers that I've used in Salt Lake that are decent and I've flown out to pick up 2 cars.
 
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