Where can I find small used cars?

where can I find small used carsAs gas prices continue to climb, many car owners are deciding that a vehicle change is needed; the soaring popularity of the SUV (sport utility vehicle) has waned considerably since they guzzle gasoline. As a result, consumers are looking for the next best thing: small used cars. Not only do they offer better gas mileage, they have lower maintenance costs over the life of the vehicle.

However, where is the best place to find these small treasures? Some research is necessary on the part of the consumer; after reviewing all the car features desired, you can go online and compare car insurance for FREE with the simple input of your ZIP code.

Your Local Community

With the recession continuing on, many car owners are finding that they need to simplify their debts and expenses. As a result, car owners are placing “for sale” signs on their small used cars and parking them around high traffic areas in the community. It is good practice to walk or drive around the community to find these hidden deals; people may be inclined to make a quick sale to boost their cash reserves.

If possible, try to purchase a vehicle from a neighbor you are familiar with; strangers may try to scam a potential customer about a poorly operating car. Regardless of the seller, no transaction should occur until the vehicle has been test driven and inspected by a mechanic. If the seller is legitimate, an inspection should not be denied to the potential customer.

Used Car Dealers

The market for used cars is much larger than new vehicles; modern technology has made it easier for a car to stay on the road for more years at a time than in the past. In response to this fact, car dealers manage many small used cars on their lot; they are a popular choice for budgeting customers, especially with rising gas prices.

Visiting a used car dealership should be coupled with some restraint; salespeople know that the small used cars are in demand and their bartering process will reflect that. Consumers should feel comfortable leaving a dealership if they feel that their needs are not being met. The vast majority of dealerships will have many different vehicles to choose from, so visiting another dealer is always an option.

Local Advertisements

can I find small used carsMany communities have local magazine and newsletters that have a classifieds section. Consumers can peruse the listings for compact used cars; a neighborhood just outside of yours may have the perfect vehicle for sale by a local resident. Instead of hitting the pavement, consumers can save time and gasoline by calling sellers about their vehicles. This strategy weeds out the potential scam artists and allows the consumer to narrow down the local choices.

At times, local car dealerships will advertise in these classified areas as well since the space in the newsletter is normally inexpensive. A dealership, that may have been overlooked during the actual dealer shopping trip, may have the desired vehicle on the lot. Sometimes, a dealer may have too much inventory that vehicles may remain in the back area where consumers cannot see them. The local advertisements bring consumers in to see the inventory that is pushed to the back.

Online Classifieds

Similar to local newsletters, online websites also offer classified listings; consumers can search by vehicle model, make, category, and even location. Although it is not good practice to purchase a vehicle across the country, a town a few miles away may have the perfect car waiting in the wings.

Consumers should research their potential vehicle before traveling to purchase it. The seller should be comfortable with allowing you to have the vehicle’s VIN, or vehicle identification number. This unique number can be researched through the Internet to obtain car servicing history; this history will normally detail all maintenance services, as well as any body work done as the result of an accident.

Online Auctions

small used carsOne of the more popular ways to find small used cars is using online auctions. Consumers find this purchase route to be very enticing; a vehicle that could be relatively expensive can be bought for a much lower amount through the bidding process. However, consumers should be extremely wary about this form of purchasing. If possible, consumers should visit the vehicle and test drive it; images on a computer screen can be doctored to make the car look better than it actually appears in real life.

Consumers should still do their research with an auctioned vehicle; the auction time frame is normally over a few days, or even weeks. Contacting the seller is one of the first things a consumer should do to obtain the VIN number and ask any pertinent questions. If the seller is apprehensive, it is good practice to move onto another auction and seller. The desired vehicle is not worth the headache of a questionable seller.

Overall, finding and purchasing small used cars takes some time and research to find the best deal. Luckily, once you find the car that matches your personality, you can go online to input your ZIP code for comparing and reviewing car insurance online.

Leave a Reply