How do I buy a used car?

AlanS · Post by **AlanS** » 23 Oct 2009, 16:39

In the past, I would look in the local paper (Long Island, NY) and some local person would be selling a car. I could chat, review records, test drive and put it on the lift to have a 'look see'. Nowadays, it seems to all be internet...cars are no longer sold by owners, but purchased at auctions, etc. and then sold by wholesalers. This scares me.
Going to the dealer seems to tack on $$$, and they, too, have bought from the auctions (I was at a dealer yesterday).
How is it done today? I am NOT going to throw my money away on a new car...pre-owned is fine with me.
By the way...I am looking to spend $15,000 on a wagon! (No AWD)

Post by **matthew1** » 23 Oct 2009, 17:31

Google Alerts

1. find the Craigslist URL for your city, example: http://denver.craigslist.org is for Denver
2. take that URL and in front of that, add "site:"
3. after it, add a space and "Volvo V70R", changing V70R to whatever model you're looking for
4. example: site:http://denver.craigslist.org V70R
5. go here http://www.google.com/alerts
6. paste that into Search terms box
7. Type = Comprehensive, How often = as-it-happens, put your email in
8. click Create Alert

Add a year like 2006 V70R if you want to narrow it. If you're looking for two or more years or two or more models, you'll have to add one alert for each. Knock yourself out. It's 100% free.

You'll get up to the minute notices when a Volvo you're looking for hits your area's Craigslist. This will give you two things: actual cars for sale, of course, but just as importantly, it gives you an idea of what's out there and how much people are asking. Be patient; it's a buyer's market. There's always more fish in the sea.

Educate yourself

View the Volvo Repair Database's Buyer's Guide and read
How to Negotiate a Good Price.

Post by **polskamafia mjl** » 23 Oct 2009, 18:33

+infinity for that Matt. That's a trully amazing tool right there.

Post by **JRL** » 26 Oct 2009, 05:23

There is nothing wrong with people trying to make a living.
If you wish, I can find you an excellent Volvo and the price will be far less than a Volvo dealer's price.
I'm in the Phila area, I try to make sure they're as perect as possible and how I treat my buyers.
Jim
[email protected]

Post by **matthew1** » 15 Sep 2011, 14:56

Google made an unfortunate change. It seems since I wrote the original post about Google Alerts, they've changed how it works... to... not as good. At all.

No Volvos for sale in Denver?!

Not according to Craigslist:

Anyone have the "lowdown" on the situation? (It's not the quotes around Volvo.) If this is the new Google Alerts, we lost a good tool for finding cars.