Find Used Car Dealers

Q.this summer I am goning to visit the States. I want to buy a used convertible in San Francisco but I am a little bit afraid to be ripped off. Therefore I would like to receive any advise to avoid being ripped off. please let me know if you have info on: * relieable car dealers (name and phonenumber) * is it possible to have the car checked by an independent organization like the Automobile Ass.??

A.I do not know any car dealers. Most people hire an auto mechanic to evaluate the car. You will pay for 1/2 to 1 hour labor at approximately $70 per hour. It may not be possible to spot all potential problems in such a short examination. But even the knowledge that you will be hiring a mechanic might encourage the dealer to be more honest and open in discussing the car's possible problems. I can refer you to one or two reliable mechanics. Also, a friend of mine who is a very experienced professional mechanic will be moving to San Francisco some time during the summer. He will probably be available to do this kind of work at a substantial discount. There is a plublication called the "blue book", actually a series of little books, that lists average selling prices for used cars. They are available in most bookstores. Also, there are books and articles to suggest particular modesl and years of cars that are particularly reliable, or particularly good values. If you want to be sure of the dealer's honesty and dependability, you have a couple of other options. First, rental car companies often sell their cars after a couple of years. You will not get any great bargains, but you can be assured that they keep the cars well-maintained, and that they will not conceal any serious problems. I think they also offer warrantees. Next, there are a couple of new nationwide chains selling used cars, owned by major national companies. They are reportedly much more honest and dependable than the typical dealer. In both cases, they concentrate on relatively new, more expensive cars. Why are you going to buy a car? You might come out better renting than buying. There are some rental companies that offer special monthly rates -- you can check with new car dealers. The problem with buying if you are only going to keep the car short-term is that it might be hard to sell the car when you are finished. Also, convertables are considerably more expensive as used cars.

Other Questions :

Best Time Of Year To Buy A Used Car

when is the best time of year to buy a used car? im living in germany and looking at an audiDecember. Nobody's interested in buying, but the salesmen are keen to achieve their annual targets. Spring (like now) is probably the worst time. I c...

Black Book Used Car Prices

Anyone know of a Canadian site for car values? Sort of like the Kelly Blue Book site, kbb.com, but for us CanucksFor used car prices, you can buy "Canadian Black Book of Used Car prices." This book is one of three possible reference guides dealers...

How To Buy A Used Car

Is there a best time of year to buy a used car? A time when the forecourts are virtually dead and the dealers really want to shift stock?Absolutely right, the best time to buy a car is when dealers have trouble selling. Everyone has their own o...

Buy A Used Rental Car

I bought two used car before and they all have hidden problems that I didn't find at the buying. I can't afford a new car yet and I'd like to have farily new car at good price. So a used rental car might be a good choice. Does anyone has any exper...

Find Used Cars For Sale

Anyone here have a list of which states require automobile inspections and which don't? Or is there a web site that has such a tally (if so, couldn't find one).Not sure if you are looking for safety or emissions so here are both lists. States ...