Buying a used car on eBay Motors: What to consider
By guestposter Nov 09, 2010
Buying a used car can save a lot of money in itself. First of all, even a car that’s only a year or two old will cost a lot less than buying the same make and model brand new. Plus, you’ll save on auto insurance premiums. If you’re buying through eBay you can limit the price you pay to what you know you can afford, and if you’re paying in full, you’ll also save on car loans. Following these tips should help you navigate the auction listings and end up with a good vehicle.
First, check the value of a car in the Kelly Blue Book. This can be accessed online, and you just need to enter details about the car’s make, year and model, and its condition and location, which should be available in the eBay Motors auction listing. Consider checking Craigslist for local classified ads as well, so you can see the typical asking prices and how many have been listed for sale recently in your area.
Secondly, ask your insurance agent for any guidance they can offer in choosing a car that will cost you less in auto insurance premiums. Check in advance whether your intended new vehicle will require any extra insurance costs, such as specialist RV or campervan insurance. Try out online insurance quotes and insurance price comparison services and be aware that some types of vehicles, such as SUVs, cost more to insure than others. As a good start, buying a used car saves you more on auto insurance than a new car.
Thirdly, check the mileage listed for the car, and choose the one with the lowest mileage you can find and afford. This means the car should be less worn out, since it hasn’t been driven as far as the others.
Fourthly, consider your chosen car’s fuel consumption. If you’re wavering between different models of car, you can look up their fuel efficiency and factor it into their running costs, since even between cars that seem similar, the fuel efficiency can vary considerably and these differences all add up.
Finally, before committing to buy a car, it’s worth looking at its CarFax report, to find out if it has been in any accidents, or failed its smog checks, and to make sure that the seller really does own it.
Above all, know your lifestyle and be realistic. You may find the greatest deal on eBay, but if it’s the wrong car for you then it’s still no deal if you can afford something else that suits your lifestyle and makes you happy.