Using the internet to look for your next car

There are many different internet sources that can help you search for used cars. Internet car searches make it easy to get a car's price, VIN number, and seller's contact information. You can use your car wish list to filling the different fields internet searches offer. Here are some easy to use and reliable internet resources:

• Auto Trader
• Cars.com
• Carmax
• Yahoo Auto

Websites like these are specifically for cars, which makes it easier to find what you need. The cars are posted by both private sellers and car dealers. The difference between the two is the room for negotiation and the ability to finance. Private sellers are more willing than dealers to negotiate the car's price with you. Often times private sellers are in a rush to sell, which can help with negotiation. The problem with private sellers is the reliability of their word. They are not held to the regulations that dealers are, so they don't have to release information about accidents of pending repairs.

Dealers are businesses that rely on car sales, so negotiating with dealers can be difficult. Dealers do offer finance though, which can help you if you want to finance your next car. Like I mentioned before, dealers are required to disclose any important information about their cars, including any accidents or pending repairs. Some dealers are also able to offer limited warranties, which are defiantly not available with private sellers.

Keep in mind that before making up your mind you have to see the car in person. You can not completely rely on the pictures the seller provides, they may omit some important flaws. Internet car post change every few days, so keeping looking back to see if any new cars appear on your search.

Narrow Your Search

When looking for a used car, you should narrow your search to save time. Think of key features you want in the car to create a wish list. Use this wish list when you are using an online car search to filter out cars that have no appeal to you. Your wish list should include both your basic needs and the luxuries you want.

The basics that you should include in your wish list are structural things that you cannot change yourself, or would cost you too much to change yourself. An examples of these basics would be the type of car (SUV, sedan, coupe, or truck), make (GM, Honda, Toyota, Ford, etc.), engine size (4 cylinder, 6 cylinder, 8 cylinder, 10 cylinder, or 12 cylinder), and transmission (5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, automatic, or semi-automatic), AC/heater, and tires. These are all very important for you as a driver to consider in order to have a comfortable and safe driving experience.

The luxuries that you can put after choosing your basics would include anything that you do not need to properly use the car. An example of these are exterior paint, interior color, interior material (cloth, leather, or perforated leather), media (radio, TV, DVD player, navigation, and headsets), window tint, rims, and any aftermarket parts. These are luxury choices that do not affect the mechanics of your car. These are luxuries that will defiantly increase the cost of a car, so don't add what you cannot afford.

For example, I created the following wish list to look for my car. My list is very specific, but your list can be a little more general.

• Honda Prelude 97-01
• Automatic
• White or silver paint
• black cloth interior
  
• Stock rims or better
  
• Stock radio or better
• under 120,000 miles

Remember that your wish list should be realistic with your budget. Here are some links to help you with setting up your wish list.

• Media
• Aftermarket parts
• Paint cost