New Car Purchase - Used Car Sale - Non Valk

[carolinarider09]

It has been some time since I purchased a new car (or motorcycle), about eight years.

So, I want to purchase a new (to me ) car.  I have the make and model picked out as well as the year. 

I have found what appears to be a product that meets my requirements about 100 miles from here.  It is my intent to make a cash purchase.  That leads me to the first question.

Is a cash purchase of a used car better or worse than doing a purchase with a loan from the dealer?
I have heard that the dealer might get a kickback from the loan company. 

Second question:  Besides the normal look and see and test drive are there any other resources that could be used to verify the car's "history"?  Is there a "VIN" lookup thing.  Oh, I already have checked the make and model's "good and bad" stuff on line.

Third question: I have read that, because of the current economic conditions, used car prices are higher this year than last year (considering same basic age and mileage, ETC.). Is that your understanding as well?  Does that mean that used car prices might drop in the coming months?

Fourth question:  The car I am wishing to replace is fully operational.  While the A/C is not as robust as it once was, the car starts on the first turn of the ignition key, mechanical it is in "reasonable shape" for its age (1996 Ford Explorer 2 door with over 180,000 miles), tires are ok, no tears in seating materials and the sunroof still works.  I doubt that I would receive much using the car as a trade in.  Besides advertising the car for sale locally, are there other reasonable options for having the car's "worth" returned to me.

Or, should I do something like donate the car to a group that can use the car for training or ......... 

Oh, the mileage on the Explorer is a rough guess since the odometer stopped "working" a few years ago (Speedo still works).  I have a GPS that keeps track if mileage just so I have some record. 

Thank you for reading this far and for any answers or even comments. you might have.

[vanagon40]

Response to Question 2: "CARFAX is the most widely recognized name in the car background check industry." citation. There are others that perform the same service. Price depends on the number of reports you buy.

[da prez]

Dealers get kickback on loan.
 There is a VIN # lookup on line.
   Put in vehicle make , model and serial # in a site called recalls.
      Your old Ford is worth much more than you think.
            Go to Blue book look up or Carvana with car info . When I sold my wife's Caddy , those sites are how the value was determined.
  Also , If you have a good insurance agent , ask for the replacement cost of said vehicle  if totaled on the way home.  Best help I can muster up.

                                                         da prez

[old2soon]

    Enter into search bar-known problems of your chosen vehicle. Should reveal a number of websites. Look for a forum on your chosen vehicle. Those forums much like ours reveal lotsa stuff and YES sometimes you have ti sift thru the chaff much like right here!  RIDE SAFE.

[Serk]

Response to Question 2: "CARFAX is the most widely recognized name in the car background check industry." citation. There are others that perform the same service. Price depends on the number of reports you buy.

Second on Carfax.... Any half decent used dealership SHOULD provide the CarFax report gratis these days...

[carolinarider09]

Response to Question 2: "CARFAX is the most widely recognized name in the car background check industry." citation. There are others that perform the same service. Price depends on the number of reports you buy.

Thanks,,  Not name did slip my mind.
 

[carolinarider09]

Dealers get kickback on loan.
 There is a VIN # lookup on line.
   Put in vehicle make , model and serial # in a site called recalls.
      Your old Ford is worth much more than you think.
            Go to Blue book look up or Carvana with car info . When I sold my wife's Caddy , those sites are how the value was determined.
  Also , If you have a good insurance agent , ask for the replacement cost of said vehicle  if totaled on the way home.  Best help I can muster up.

                                                         da prez

Good information.  I had not considered asking my insurance agent.

 

[carolinarider09]

    Enter into search bar-known problems of your chosen vehicle. Should reveal a number of websites. Look for a forum on your chosen vehicle. Those forums much like ours reveal lotsa stuff and YES sometimes you have ti sift thru the chaff much like right here!  RIDE SAFE.

Thanks.  I had not done the search.  Did find (by accident) a Forum on the Subaru but when I went to register they wanted far too much information.  Well maybe not too much but they wanted car year, make and model which I did not have.  Could not leave them blank. Weill look for another one. 

 

[carolinarider09]

Response to Question 2: "CARFAX is the most widely recognized name in the car background check industry." citation. There are others that perform the same service. Price depends on the number of reports you buy.

Second on Carfax.... Any half decent used dealership SHOULD provide the CarFax report gratis these days...

Thanks Serk.... will do both. 
 

[fudgie]

Check and see what the interests rates are. To high and it prob not worth it.

[da prez]

  I.m ;looking at a Subaru as a second vehicle. I found a lot of info and what not to buy.  Consumers Reports have a lot of info.  Do more research than you want to do.  Some cars are low priced for a reason.
  Certain year Subaru's have major engine problems or oil consumption.

                                              da prez

[Moonshot_1]

We are in the market to replace our car as well. Will be checking in on this thread. Been a while since we had to make a car purchase. Our first day in actively looking was today.

Wife is looking for an Acadia or an Enclave. Used.

New ones are 40+, or 40k+++++++++. Crazy.

[carolinarider09]

Yes, the last car we bought new was in 2016 so..... it's been a few years. 

One thing I just found out was there are additional costs that have recently been added like a "Highway Maintenance Fee" at $500.  When I first looked at the "additional" costs for the car I first selected, these costs were about $5,000.  Or 20% additional price of the car.  Turns out most of that (about $4,000) were dealer add ons (like maintenance stuff and other things). 

I have been looking at CARFAX and there is information there and prices.  Nothing local though at this time.  Most vehicles that meet my "criteria" are 50 to 100 miles away.  Not a deal stopper just means a trip.

I did join s Subaru forum and it is sort of ok.   I joined a Ford Explorer forum several years back and they have been helpful.   

[Avanti]

Always be able to walk away if it just does not feel right.

[Jersey mike]

Some good advice from everyone.

Definitely research the year, make, model you’re interested in with reviews and have other makes/models/years in mind just in case.

Let me add this; be on the look out for flood cars. There’s been quite a few instances where areas have been flooded and cars get caught in the flood. Look and smell for signs of corrosion and mildew. Check the Carfax report for where the car is basically from, it should tell you when and where it w as registered.

Corrosion could be under the hood, behind the dash or even in the trunk, especially the recessed spare tire area would/could show signs of a dirty water level and maybe rust if the Jack is in there.

[Hook#3287]

Like Jersey Mike stated, one thing I'm always concerned with is if the car was in a flood area at any time.

I've seen what happens to vehicles when they were in a flood that reached just high enough to affect electrical components.

You'll not see the evidence until you remove panels to access concealed areas to make repairs.

Buddy of mine got a great deal on an escalade that turned out to be not great.  Started having electrical issues, several, and discovered dirt and debris with a water line mark.

[Jersey mike]

One thing I'm always concerned with is if the car was in a flood area at any time.

I've seen what happens to vehicles when they were in a flood that reached just high enough to affect electrical components.

You'll not see the evidence until you remove panels to access concealed areas to make repairs.

Buddy of mine got a great deal on an escalade that turned out to be not great.  Started having electrical issues, several, and discovered dirt and debris with a water line mark.

I just finished updating my post and saw your comment. 

[carolinarider09]

Like Jersey Mike stated, one thing I'm always concerned with is if the car was in a flood area at any time.

Thanks had not considered that. 

I found one car that meet my requirements.  It was purchased in FL (now for sale in GA) in 2022.  Had a second owner in 2023.  Is now for sale in 2024.  Mileage in 2022 was Zero.  Mileage in 2023 was 34,000 (more or less). 

I found that interesting.  Yes the car could have been purchased by someone who later had an incident that prevented them from driving it at all.  But the next guy put 34,000 mils on on it a little less than a year.   

May just go look anyway.  Just to see.

[Jess from VA]

What car are you looking at Bill?   (just curious)

[carolinarider09]

2021 - 2022 Subaru Outback. 

My wife has a 2016 Subaru Forester and its been a pretty good ride.  Got about 90,000 miles on it.  Some minor issues. 

One of my "wants" is all wheel drive. 

I was thinking about trying to find a 2022 or so Ford Maverick.  I had a 1970 Ford Maverick.  It was a dependable car (but that was 54 years ago).   Drove it coast to coast twice while in the Navy.

I had a 1992 (I think that is right) Ford Ranger.  It had a manual transmission but otherwise it was a dependable vehicle.  Took it to a "Star Party" in Florida (lived in SC at the time) and the clutch went out  on the way down.   Drove it down and back using the manual transmission starting in first gear so I could roll it without having to use a clutch.  All the way back home.

[Robert]

2021 - 2022 Subaru Outback.  

My wife has a 2016 Subaru Forester and its been a pretty good ride.  Got about 90,000 miles on it.  Some minor issues.  

One of my "wants" is all wheel drive.  

I was thinking about trying to find a 2022 or so Ford Maverick.  I had a 1970 Ford Maverick.  It was a dependable car (but that was 54 years ago).   Drove it coast to coast twice while in the Navy.

I had a 1992 (I think that is right) Ford Ranger.  It had a manual transmission but otherwise it was a dependable vehicle.  Took it to a "Star Party" in Florida (lived in SC at the time) and the clutch went out  on the way down.   Drove it down and back using the manual transmission starting in first gear so I could roll it without having to use a clutch.  All the way back home.

You could get a Mercedes many come with 4 WD.  

[da prez]

  Robert , we looked at a Mercedes for Bonnies retirement gift.  We were so under whelmed with the lack of quality and the poor finish of the car.  I asked where the USB plug was.  Salesman said to buy a cigarette lighter plug in. Most cars we looked at didn't even have a lighter plug.
             My two cents before taxes

                                                 da prez

[carolinarider09]

Just an update.

Today we went to a Subaru dealership and a Ford dealership.  We looked at a Subaru Outback and a Ford Maverick.  We both really like the Ford Maverick and they were similar in price.  The Maverick was a 2022 and the Subaru (one of them we looked at anyway) was a 2024.

I would love to have the Ford Maverick but, in the overall planning for the future, the Subaru Outback will make a better "family" car.  In other words, the Maverick would be my "car".   The Subaru will be for both the wife and I.   Her car is a 2016 Subaru Forester with about 90,000 miles.  Maybe young by some standards (especially since it's eight ( years old which works out to 11,500 per year) but ......  it is better to plan. 

So, we are highly considering the 2024 Outback but will need a test drive before making a commitment. 

Oh, the only other thing of interest is when we (wife and I and dog) showed up at both dealerships we were greeted, after some time, as we walked around the parking lot, by a 'saleslady".  Both were capable and answered our questions and provided needed information.  The saleslady at the Subaru dealer was from South America.  She did have an accent.  The other saleslady was from South Carolina. 

It was also interesting to see the full parking lots about both dealerships.  Finding a place to park our car was a bit of a chore.   But it's been sometime since I have visited a new car dealership.   

More to follow tomorrow.

[Jess from VA]

The saleslady at the Subaru dealer was from South America.  She did have an accent.  The other saleslady was from South Carolina.  

So the South Carolina saleslady had no accent.  

My only advice on the car is to take your time and shop around.  It's a lot of money, and you're hoping it's a "last" car that will actually last.  

My 2017 Dodge Ram Promaster 2500 truck/van (a demo bought with 600 miles on it in 2018) was only a little over half the price of a new one today (with a good trade, and a number of discounts).  It's like a rolling one bedroom apartment, but it drives like a car and I love it.  My butt sits five feet off the ground and the view down the road and over most all traffic is great.  Just rolled past 11K miles; retirement (with no commuting) is wonderful.  I have not had one single problem with it.

It's absolutely my last 4 wheeler.  (unless I hit the lottery, which I don't play)

[carolinarider09]

The saleslady at the Subaru dealer was from South America.  She did have an accent.  The other saleslady was from South Carolina.  

So the South Carolina saleslady had no accent.  

It's sort of like when you are immersed in something you fail to see something different when it is the same.  In other words, to some she might have had a "southern" accident but it was not something I "noted". 

[Valkorado]

Just an update.

Today we went to a Subaru dealership and a Ford dealership.  We looked at a Subaru Outback and a Ford Maverick.  We both really like the Ford Maverick and they were similar in price.  The Maverick was a 2022 and the Subaru (one of them we looked at anyway) was a 2024.

I would love to have the Ford Maverick but, in the overall planning for the future, the Subaru Outback will make a better "family" car.  In other words, the Maverick would be my "car".   The Subaru will be for both the wife and I.   Her car is a 2016 Subaru Forester with about 90,000 miles.  Maybe young by some standards (especially since it's eight ( years old which works out to 11,500 per year) but ......  it is better to plan. 

So, we are highly considering the 2024 Outback but will need a test drive before making a commitment. 

Oh, the only other thing of interest is when we (wife and I and dog) showed up at both dealerships we were greeted, after some time, as we walked around the parking lot, by a 'saleslady".  Both were capable and answered our questions and provided needed information.  The saleslady at the Subaru dealer was from South America.  She did have an accent.  The other saleslady was from South Carolina. 

It was also interesting to see the full parking lots about both dealerships.  Finding a place to park our car was a bit of a chore.   But it's been sometime since I have visited a new car dealership.   

More to follow tomorrow.

Loving my Maverick so far...

[Jess from VA]

The saleslady at the Subaru dealer was from South America.  She did have an accent.  The other saleslady was from South Carolina.  

So the South Carolina saleslady had no accent.  

It's sort of like when you are immersed in something you fail to see something different when it is the same.  In other words, to some she might have had a "southern" accident accent but it was not something I "noted".  

I know that Jim.

Here in VA, you can hear pretty neutral, to full southern accents.  You also hear Spanish everywhere.  

My backyard neighbor (and friend) is from Tanzania, and he is fluent in Swahili, though his English is perfect.  

[cookiedough]

if buying a new 2024 subaru, be prepared to pay full msrp/sticker price.  Has been that way for like 3 years or more now on most new vehicles.  

I doubt the dealer will give you a fair trade in price on a 180K mile used vehicle, best to sell outright get more than what you could at dealer for trade in plus the savings on sales tax on trade in.  

shouldn't be too hard to find a NEW subaru outback within 100 miles from your place that you would like.

Last 2 weekends been driving WAY WAY too far on both saturdays like 3 hour trips to check on 2-3 used 2007 on up toyota tundras with over 160K miles on them, all in that 12K range.  2 of 3 were JUNK had major issues not worth buying.  As said,  do not be afraid to WALK AWAY if not what you want, there will be others, especially if new.

I would if have the money just pay cash and never finance since the dealer is going to on a new vehicle charge you full msrp anyways, why waste money and interest financing not going to get vehicle off full msrp anyways no matter what you do pay cash vs. finance.    Anyone who pays over 1 cent over full msrp is foolish, walk away.  Also, avoid the dealer add-ons like paint protection or pinstripping, etc. not needed and waste of money.  

going this saturday to look at a 4th used tundra but NEVER driving 3+ hours again in time and gas money, this one tad over 1 hour away.  My questions on used MUST be answered first before driving anywhere either from private party or dealer.   Is it a non smoking vehicle, show me the rust spots,  does all power eqmt. work, does 4wd hi and lo work, is the service engine soon light on, how are the tires.  Last dealer here in WI wasted 3 hours drive time, get there and service engine soon light on was in limp mode not go over 45 mph floored.  Found 3 other major issues wrong with it and still asking 12K was an insult, not worth 3K to me.

2 years ago when I bought my new 2021 tundra,  I had to call about 10 dealers before I finally found one equipped the way I need it to be, and ONLY 1 of 2 dealers in over 200 miles radius that did NOT markup the truck 1000's over full msrp.  The rest did not consider since as said, paying 1 cent over full msrp is crazy.

by the way, the 2007 thru say 2011 tundra is not for me, but for my kid who wants a truck. His 2004 pontiac vibe with 180K miles may not last forever.  LOL 

[carolinarider09]

We made a decision. There were two options.  A 2022 Subaru Outback Premium with 28,812 miles for $XX, XXX and a 2024 Subaru Outback Premium with 2,296 miles for $500 more, its seemed a no brainer.  We picked the 2024.  

Did a test drive and all seemed well.  The only issue I had with the vehicle was all the bells and whistles it seems to have on the "touchscreen".  But.... I might be able to figure it out.

Oh, and compared to the 2016 Subaru Forester we currently have, this vehicle seems a little more enclosed but that just an impression.  

It will tow 2,700 pounds so it meets that criteria.  Now just waiting on gettin the funds.  Oh, insurance is about $20 more per month for the 2024.  Also, while I may have known it, (we have State Farm) the insurance cost is quoted at an annual rate.  But you are free to pay 1/12 each month.  Seems a bit weird but, I the lady said that it was standard now (the annual vs monthly) except for the independent insurers.  

Something else I did not know.  

Now to decide how to sell the 1996 Ford Explorer.  Toady, I am a little skeptical of having strangers show up at our home just to see the vehicle.  But.  maybe I am just being weir.  

Oh, I think I might have stated it but there was a third option.  We both really liked the 2022 Ford Maverick we saw.  It just did not have the interior room we might need in the future.   Otherwise nice looking vehicle and seemingly well thought of by the public.

[Jess from VA]

The only issue I had with the vehicle was all the bells and whistles it seems to have on the "touchscreen".

I had a 2003 Dodge that I could work everything, then I got a 2017 Dodge and holy crap I think I'd have to go back to school (or spend way longer than I'm willing to study the two big manuals) to learn all the bells and whistles on the screen and dash.  The 4 driver column control stalks must have 127 different functions.  So I learned (just) enough to drive it like always, and the hell with all the other bells and whistles.  

Because my van is rated for huge loads and all I mostly carry is a few hundred pounds, I've lowered the recommended tire pressures (10 plys) to the point the TPMS bell dings (once) and dash lights.  Next oil change, I'm getting the dealer to lower the TPMS setting for me.  

Today, I am a little skeptical of having strangers show up at our home just to see the vehicle.

Have them meet you someplace convenient to you (at least the 1st time) to show the car.  The police or fire stations or a gas station or a grocery parking lot.  Someplace public.  And if they want to drive it, ride shotgun.  (I'd be armed, but I always am.)

[Willow]

... then I got a 1017 Dodge and holy crap ...

Wow!  That is a really old vehicle!   

[da prez]

  Thru the years I have sold many vehicles. I ask for their drivers license in my hand. I was refused once after my explanation. I refused to let them drive the car.   Also remember , any mishap is on your nickel.  Find a route you are comfortable with. Have your cell phone handy. Go with your gut feeling.

                                                   da prez

[carolinarider09]

  Thru the years I have sold many vehicles. I ask for their drivers license in my hand. I was refused once after my explanation. I refused to let them drive the car.   Also remember , any mishap is on your nickel.  Find a route you are comfortable with. Have your cell phone handy. Go with your gut feeling.

                                                   da prez

 

[2step]

I found a used pickup 2019 model with 65k miles $35k  My pickup was involved in a accident so i have settled with ins. I was going to purchase cashand then he told me if paying cash it $36.500  I told him didnt think so and also wanted to add $600 Doc fee. I told him I wasnt a doc either.. I walked still looking.

[carolinarider09]

Yes, the Doc fees are something I tired to avoid but, I liked the price and the vehicle so.....

Everything else met my expectations (well so far).   Will have to have a trailer hitch installed but that should not be much of a work load.  I could do it, for what I have seen of the install process but....  

Anyway, was getting ready to cleanup the Explorer today and it would not start.  Battery issue. I usually kept it on a battery tender but left it off for the last two weeks, just to sort of check the battery.  Guess I found out.

It's on a charger now....   will see later on if the battery recovers.

Oh question about the Drivers License that "da prez" mentioned above.

I am to ask to see the Drivers License just to verify the purchaser has one but I am not going to hold it while we take a test drive.  Is that correct?

[Jess from VA]

Check his license.  Take a pic with your phone.  Give it back.  Go for a test ride together.  If he objects, tell him you'll erase it after you do business (or not) (in front of him).  It's just business.

This may seem like overkill, but suppose he plowed into someone with your truck, then took off running on foot?

Would you remember the details of the license?

And if you do do business, you'll want his info to prepare a bill of sale as well.   

 

[carolinarider09]

Check his license.  Take a pic with your phone.  Give it back.  Go for a test ride together.  If he objects, tell him you'll erase it after you do business (or not) (in front of him).  It's just business.

This may seem like overkill, but suppose he plowed into someone with your truck, then took off running on foot?

Would you remember the details of the license?

And if you do do business, you'll want his info to prepare a bill of sale as well.   

 

Thanks Jess.  That is the same process that crossed my mind.   

Have not sold one before like this (me doing the selling)..... so....

[Jess from VA]

Welcome sir.  Also:

If you don't get cash, then a money order/cashier's check (same as cash).

A personal check must clear your bank before you sign and deliver him the title (or the vehicle itself).   Of course you knew this; just a reminder.  

Many titles now have a place to write mileage at transfer (otherwise, put it on the bill of sale).  Two Bills of Sale, one for each of you.

You really should never let the buyer drive away on your plates (any bad behavior by purchaser, comes back to your plates*).  If you really trust him, and he will return them to you in a day or two, your call.  In some states, those plates have to get turned in.  And you may intend to transfer those plates to your new car (it's what I'd do, since they have paid up life left on them).  

I leave my insurance on the car until I'm sure he's titled, registered and plated it in his name.  Again, it should only be a few days.  Worth it if there's trouble (a wreck or fender bender while transfer pending).

Get everything out of the car that isn't being sold.  Stick everything in the car that is being sold (manual).

* Like 50 years ago, I sold my '69 SS396 Chevelle to another kid (I was a kid too).  I let him drive away on my plates (to be returned).  Three days later the police came to my house to arrest me for running down a row of mail boxes (someone got the plate number).  My dad was standing there watching this.  I told the policeman I had sold the car, but left my plates on it, and I knew right where it was, if he'd take me in his cruiser I'd show him.  My dad was all smiles... good idea Jess.  We drove up the island right to the guy's (his parent's) house.  And there was the car with my plates on it.  The front end was clearly showing the result of mowing down mailboxes (the idiot).  He went to the house, and I pulled my plates off the car.    The kid was arrested.  He cussed me out in the back of the cruiser, and I told him he was getting what he earned.  I got a ride home.  The cop was happy.  My dad was happy.  And I learned a lesson.  

This was the car (mine was not as nice).  (Might be the sweetest car I ever owned.)

[carolinarider09]

Good story Jess and a learning experience.   

[da prez]

  I hold the license.  I will never let a vehicle go with my plates on. I delivered a truck ,took off  my plates and got a ride home.  To many horror stories by trusting an unknown.

                                                        da prez