Used car dealers? (Durham: sales, buying, inspections)

[NC_newcomer]

I'm probably looking buying used car this summer.

I will of course keep my eye on craigslist and autotrader.com, but I also want to check used car lots on a regular basis.

I've had bad experiences with CarMax, so I will avoid them.

I'm looking for 2002-2005, so that's too old for the new car (= expensive) car places to carry.

Can anyone suggest good, honest used car dealers in the Triangle who carry decent quality minivans/suvs that are middle-aged (the cars, not the dealers!)

Thanks.

[mia78]

You can also use AutoFerret.com to help you with your search.

[saturnfan]

Consider a new car with few options.

You can many times wind up with a factory warranty and a sure history. Sales are slow and rebate money's being done by mfrs and dealers.

I got $1,500 off a new 2008 Corolla + $500 more from the dealer.

Leave out the options and a new 2008 may be close to a loaded 2005.

[CaliBoy]

Originally Posted by NC_newcomer

I've had bad experiences with CarMax, so I will avoid them.

I was going to throw out CarMax due to their variety, but can you account for your experience. I'd like to know what to avoid there in the event the same experience could happen to me.

We're looking for cars now, too. Though our first choices have been put on the back burner for other cars with better gas mileage, we're thinking about going new if we can't find a credible private party seller. Right now, we do visit the new dealers and we're dealing. Keep tabs on the Sunday papers and commercials for incentives including websites. Have you also check cars.com. They seem to have private and dealer sellers there. If anything, they might serve as a nice pricing reference. Also, visit Edmunds to get values on the type of car you're looking for.

Good luck!

[saturnfan]

Carmax is very high priced but does a good cosmetic refurbishment.

[J_Lurk]

Several people in my family have used AutoFinders in Durham, though I haven't tried them myself.

[Stu Barnes]

Originally Posted by NC_newcomer

I'm probably looking buying used car this summer.

I will of course keep my eye on craigslist and autotrader.com, but I also want to check used car lots on a regular basis.

I've had bad experiences with CarMax, so I will avoid them.

I'm looking for 2002-2005, so that's too old for the new car (= expensive) car places to carry.

Can anyone suggest good, honest used car dealers in the Triangle who carry decent quality minivans/suvs that are middle-aged (the cars, not the dealers!)

Thanks.

I got my accord from auction direct on glenwood. basically they advertise for auction price plus $400. They will try and sell you on warranties but don't bite...that's where they make their money....short of it is I got a 2006 accord for $16K when everywhere else it was 19Kplus

[hula]

We had a terrible experience with Carmax too. Their checklist that they advertise is not something to count on. We did buy 2 cars from the Hertz resale over the last 10 years and they're still going strong! Unfortunately it closed last year, but glad to hear some feedback on action direct which took over their spot/building.

[steve54]

Originally Posted by NC_newcomer

I'm probably looking buying used car this summer.

I will of course keep my eye on craigslist and autotrader.com, but I also want to check used car lots on a regular basis.

I've had bad experiences with CarMax, so I will avoid them.

I'm looking for 2002-2005, so that's too old for the new car (= expensive) car places to carry.

Can anyone suggest good, honest used car dealers in the Triangle who carry decent quality minivans/suvs that are middle-aged (the cars, not the dealers!)

Thanks.

This guy is good to deal with and stands by his cars
WalkTheLot.com | Search Triangle Auto Sales Vehicle Inventory

[NC_newcomer]

Thanks for the feedback on AuctionDirect and on Triangle Auto Sales.

My experience with CarMax -- not here -- had to do with inspections. I always want to have a used car inspected by an independent mechanic. They wouldn't let me do that --said I could buy the car and have it inspected, and return it within 5 days if I didn't want it, BUT I would be responsible for any "damage" incurred during those 5 days. They would determine if it was exactly the same as when I bought it (yeah, right). Or I could "resell" it to them at a price they set.

Sounded to me, and a friend later confirmed, that they make returning a car a nightmare.

If the seller won't let me take it to an independent mechanic, then no sale. Period.