5 ways to buy used cars

Regardless of where the new car is purchased, consumers should be cautious and do research to help them protect themselves from bad cars and bad deals.

1. Register used car

Certified Used Vehicles (CPOs) are used vehicles that have been inspected, refurbished and certified by the manufacturer or other authorities to give consumers a certain level of confidence in the condition of the vehicle. CPOs typically include extended warranties and special financing offers to offer new car offers at used car prices. Most dealers advertise CPO cars and may even invest heavily in these types of cars. CPOs are usually more expensive than uncertified used cars, but their benefits (such as extended warranty) are often greater than the extra cost.

2. Used car supermarket

Used car supermarkets are sometimes a good idea. Consumers can search for cars by brand, model, model and price, function and MPG on the supermarket website. They offer buyers a five-day money back guarantee, a limited 30-day warranty, an extended service plan and a free vehicle history report. Some of them provide financing and funds for trade.

3. Government auction

Thousands of seized, surplus and confiscated cars are sold online and on-site auctions every month. These vehicles are the property of the federal government and must be sold quickly at attractive prices due to the high cost associated with storage. Without financing, the buyer must be able to pay for the item using cash, banker's cashier's order, USPS or commercial money order, traveler's cheque, personal or company check with a bank guarantee or credit card. The bid cannot be lowered or cancelled.

4. eBay

eBay officials said that every 52 seconds, a passenger car will be sold on its website. eBay first went public in the automotive sector in 2000 and expects sales to reach $18 billion this year. When a car is purchased on eBay, it is usually invisible, which can make some buyers feel uneasy. Check the seller’s feedback and bid at the auction to let the buyer withdraw from the purchase after checking the car. These two ways can help buyers protect themselves when they buy a car through eBay. Sellers usually want to pay in cash, and buyers should be cautious or completely avoid the seller's request for a prepayment transfer.

5. Private sale

Buyers can find used cars in classified ads in local newspapers or on online classified websites such as www.craigslist.com. Unlike other methods of buying used cars, private sales match buyers and people who usually only sell one car (rather than the entire fleet) by means of classified ads or signs attached to the car. Care should be taken to ensure that the price requested by the seller is fair and that it is best to have it inspected by a qualified mechanic before purchase.