Why are Private Party Cars sometimes less expensive than Dealer cars?
A good Used Car Dealer will pay what they need to in order to acquire the right vehicles. No two used cars are alike and in order to get the better cars, dealers pay more while negotiating for them. Since they then run the car through their shop to determine quality and safety assurances this also adds costs which affect the price.

With a consumer you may be able to save some money as opposed to a dealer if the person really needs to sell their car which should make them more motivated. A dealer doesn't have to worry about the next payment due like a private party seller and they will sometimes hold out for a higher price if the car is rare or of superior quality.

Buyers might also run across steadfast sellers that won't budge from their asking price. In these situations, it's usually best to let some time pass before revisiting with a counter-offer. Consider paying their price only if you're fixated with the vehicle.

Example: Let's say you're interested in the same buying a used car with a private party sticker price of 2,50,000. You make him a reasonable offer and the seller sees you're highly interested in buying. HE might use that as a bargaining chip in his own favor, and tell you that he has another offer on the vehicle that beats your offer.

The key is to start low and find a middle ground. If you lay all your cards out on the table too early, you'll get taken for a ride - and not a pleasant one - in your new car! Once you've wrangled yourself a final price, make sure your seller completes all necessary paperwork in a timely fashion.

Negotiating with the Dealer Needless to say, auto dealers have been around the negotiating block quite a few times. You may have a different experience in dealing with a dealer than you would if you were to deal with a private party, but both have the same goal: selling you the car and making themselves the biggest profit.

When you make the dealer an offer, let them know that you are a serious buyer and you are ready to buy if the offer is appropriate. You should adhere to the following guidelines:

• Make an opening offer that is low, but in the ballpark.
• Only enter into negotiations with a salesperson you feel comfortable negotiating with.
• Be prepared to spend an hour or more negotiating.
• Don't be distracted by the salesperson or manager with attempts to
• focus on anything but the price until you have set and agreed to that.
• Expect a closer to try to improve the deal before you reach a final price.
• Decide ahead of time how high you will go for that specific vehicle, and walk out when you reach this price.
• Leave the dealership if you get tired or hungry -- don't be hurried into a decision.

While in the driver's seat, start and stop the engine more than once with the ignition key. Listen for any rough starting, rough idling, vibrations, other unusual noises or run-on after the engine is turned off. Anything out of the ordinary should be documented. If you live in an area that has varying climates during the day, ensure you try this during the most extreme time frame of the day. Once a list of symptoms is compiled, give it to your trusted mechanic.

Slowly move the car and apply the brakes, listen for noise. You can also visually inspect the brakes and rotors to see if repairs may be needed. Inspect the tires to ensure tread depth and no visible signs of wear and tear or dry rot.

Lastly, drive the car at slow and fast speeds, ensuring you make turns to the left and right as you listen for abnormal noises.

If the radio is on, turn it off... If the person showing you the car turns it on to show you that, again, turn it off and check that separately when you are not testing the reliability of the vehicle.

Once you've assessed the pros and cons of the vehicle and see if it's worth investing your time and effort into. If repair costs outweigh the bargain price being offered, don't invest.

Typically a good rule of thumb is 12,000-15,000 kilometers per year driven is normal. Be careful that you compare this to the in service date, or date when purchased. Many cars now are released well ahead of the calendar year change, however have the new year as the age. You very well could buy a current year model that was released in the previous year.

Anything under 12k per year usually adds to the value of the vehicle and over 15k detracts. If your buying a high mileage car make sure you get the car inspected by a mechanic or it comes with a warranty. Lastly, don't fall for the myth that they are all "highway" miles, while city driving is harder than highway driving on a car, you have no way of knowing how the previous owner drove that car on the highway.

A general rule of thumb is to consider cars and trucks no more than ten to twelve years old. No matter what the bargain price now, you'll inevitably have to fork over more money in the future on repairs. Most used car shoppers look for vehicles between three and five years old, because they'll have a vehicle with only minor wear-and-tear, enough to enjoy a few trouble-free years. Also, the price has been significantly reduced, enough so that they'd consider buying a used version of that vehicle rather than a brand new model.

It is ok to assume some moderate risk if the price is attractive, but remember what you parents told you "If it sounds to good to be true, it very well may be".

Just do your homework and don't buy on impulse.