Car Buying

Thanks for joining me!

I have always found the auto industry fascinating.  I grew up in a dealership, not literally, but figuratively.  I remember always going to visit my Dad at work and even going to work with him on Saturdays, back when you could get away with it.  I loved wandering through the parts department and the sales floor.  Looking at all the unique parts that made up the amazing machines found on the the sales floor.

I remember helping my dad work on the different cars that we owned through out my childhood.  Changing the oil, replacing brake pads, or flushing the radiator.  Each project, grew my love for cars.

Now you may be thinking, what does this brief history have to do with purchasing a car.  Well, it has everything to do when it comes to me purchasing cars.  I bought my first car when I was 14.  A 1989 Chevrolet Camaro Iroc Z.  I was like a kid in a candy store, literally.

Now there were a few catches to my first car, the first being it didn’t run.  I knew this when I purchased it.  I spent a whopping $500, which was a lot of money for a teenager.  However, what 14 year old would not want a sports car as their first ride.

When I purchased the car, I was told that all it needed was a battery and some new tires and it would run like a champ.  So, we towed the car home and first thing the next morning, my dad and I ran out and bought a battery the next morning.  I put the battery in, put the key in and turn it, to my surprise, nothing happened.

For about six months, I tried everything in my power to get that car running.  I replaced the battery cables, starter, checked every cable under the hood and dash.  At 14 years old and pre internet, I was out of luck.  I learned a big lesson that day, do some research before making a purchase.

Since that time, I have owned about 25 different vehicles.  I have owned domestic and foreign vehicles, cars and trucks, and SUV’s.  The majority of these vehicles coming from private sellers.  I got really good at combing over cars with a fine tooth comb.

Here are my top 3 pre-items I look for when purchasing a car:

1. What is the asking price Vs. KBB or NADA
   1. Based on vehicle type, year, and miles
2. Pull the CarFax report
   1. Any accidents, number of owners, original purchase location, and what type of shop the vehicle was serviced at (Independent or Franchise Dealer)
3. Are their similar vehicles currently in the market

Once I have done my preliminary work, it is now time to look at the car.  Here are my top 5 things I look for when looking at the car:

1. Tires – Is the Car going to need new tires before it will pass a safety inspection?
2. Start up – Does the car hesitate or make any funny noises when initially starting?
3. Are any of the panels a different shade of color from the rest of the car?
4. How does the rust look?
5. What is the condition of the interior, does the A/C and Heater work?

If the initial inspection passes what i am looking for, then onto the test drive.  Here are the top 6 things i listen/feel when going on the drive:

1. How does the car shift when putting it into gear?
2. Does it pull to one side or other, or does the steering feel lose?
3. How do the brakes feel when stopping?
4. Is there any vibration or does it feel like the car bottoms out when going over bumps?
5. When accelerating, does it lag, sputter, stink like burning oil or gasoline?
6. When idling, does the car feel rough?

Everyone has there own things they look for when purchasing a car, these just happen to be my top items.  It is important that you decide what you are looking for in a car when you begin your search.

To give you an idea, I write out what I want from my next vehicle:

1. Do i want a Car, Truck, SUV, or Mini Van
2. Do I want Leather or Clothe
3. Manual or Automatic
4. What year range do i want
5. New or Used
6. Private Party or Dealership
7. Price Range

This will help to narrow down your search of what exactly you are looking for, helping you get into a vehicle that represents you.