Used car lots (Tryon: bad credit, buying, inspection)

[Carolinajean]

Looking for a safe, reliable car for my teenager. Trying to spend no more than 8500 ( and would love to spend less). Have bought several cars from Carmax, but they don't offer much in that price range. Has anyone had experiences with any of the local used car lots that they could recommend or know of lots we should steer clear of ??

[vmaxnc]

Most people in the know will suggest you look for cars owned by individuals. A car dealer for a car in that price range will have almost no advantage over a private seller. Generally you'll get a better price from a private seller. If you're not knowledgeable about cars, take someone with you who is when you look at a car. Then be sure to get a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.

[LLN]

One word of advice for those looking to buy from the myriad of used car lots on N Tryon: R U N ! ! ! ! !

[Native_Son]

Used car lots exist to prey on poor people with bad credit. I would avoid them all.

[sundrop]

Go to local dealers and walk their used lots or check their websites....

[spankys bbq]

Avoid any lot that has "buy here, pay here" on the sign. That's my rule.

[Severin1]

Most important rule is to do your homework first.
With today's internet this only takes couple of hours and it is time well spent.

I use two tools:
1) Consumer reports to find who the reliable used cars makes/models are
2) Autotrader.com to give me a good idea of pricing for the 2-3 models in my price range that are considered reliable. You can also limit your search on max price and try to find cars that pop out on the Recomended Comsumer Reports list.
Then based on results of using the 2 tools, I go and see reputable dealers who cary that specific models. Don't waste time with shady dealers.
Another 2 rules:
1) know what car model you want when you go the dealer lot
2) never tell the dealer the true max amount you are planning to spend; it is a negotiation after all.
Bring printed info on lower priced car (usually shady dealers advertise for less) that you want and ask reputable dealer to beat/match the price advertised elsewhere.
Suggest a much lower price than one advertised (and your limit price). It makes him feel better when you'll end up paying more than your "original" offer price.

Good luck!
Always check the vehicle history (carfax, etc) and tell dealer that you need your mechanic to throughly check it before buying it.

[TeenyTiny]

Ya know, you should try Craigslist for used cars or Autotrader.com I have bought cars from both and MUCH prefer to deal with a regular person than a dealership. I literally feel sick when I walk on a car lot. I just hate being manipulated. That said, you still need to be careful with CL and Autotrader....be selective about which ones you go look at and bring someone with you when you do. Good luck!