Buying a car online? Well, before you go out looking for the best new or used car online classifieds, take a little time to prepare…

Here are five great tips and ideas for buying a car in the online classifieds and get the car that you want at the price you want.

Research…
Go online to a few of the best online car classifieds sites and start searching. Begin with fairly broad searches such as a price range and location and see what makes and models are available. This is a bit of a “chicken or the egg” scenario…do you set a budget and then look for the best car or do you look for the right car and let “the market” set your budget? Usually it’s a little of both. Start this process a month before you really want to buy so that you can also watch the market…see how long the better vehicles stay available or see which ones come down in price over time. Get to know the models and accessory levels for the basic, mid-range and deluxe versions of the car you want to buy. Then, set yourself a budget range five percent above and below want you are willing to finally pay…and stick to it!

Plan ahead…
Start by putting yourself in the drivers (sellers) seat…what is the seller looking for? A good price, quick settlement or a nice new owner for their pride and joy? Prepare five basic questions that you want to ask over the phone or by email and if you get a positive response to all then be ready to arrange a time for a test drive.

Practice your call or email…
The art of negotiation is a subtle one and should result in a “win-win” outcome for both parties…but a little experience can help a great deal, especially if you really, really want THAT car. So, make a few phone calls or email enquiries about similar priced vehicles that are different to the make and model you really want…this objective practice, without the impact of involving a car you really want, will help you overcome your nerves when it comes time to make that call, and allow you to focus on maximising your leverage as the buyer when you actually do want to make a specific enquiry about the car of your dreams.

Finance…
From your research you will have determined a budget range to aim for. Once you know the rough amount you will need, start talking to your preferred bank or financial institution. Most finance sources today are prepared to pre-approve a certain amount subject to the actual make, model and age of the car you want to buy. Sometimes you can draw down against the equity you have accumulated in your residential mortgage but most often it will be a personal loan based on your income and credit record or a specific loan, hire purchase or lease using the car as collateral. You should always talk to your accountant of financial adviser to find out what kind of loan is best for you.

Take someone with you…
The same as at an auction, it is hard to remain objective when you become emotionally attached to a particular car that is “just perfect”. Having someone with you whose opinion you trust when you go for  an inspection of test drive is a smart way to keep your feet on the ground. Your personal safety is also important so having someone with you is a good security idea...and always arrrange the initial inspection to be somewhere very public such as a local shopping centre rather than an off-beat location or someone's home. Buying a car is a substantial expense, but it can be even more expensive if you don’t discover that the tiny oil leak you are prepared to accept in your enthusiasm to buy turns into a very expensive repair job. And if you really are ready to buy, take a little cash with you for a small deposit…$100 should be sufficient but up to $500 may be necessary as a gesture of good faith and interest to take the car off the market whilst you finalise your settlement of the final price. Never pay cash to buy your car, always a bank or finance company cheque.

There’s lots more to consider than just these five tips on buying a new or used car online but these are a pretty good foundation upon which to base your decision. Good luck!

And when it comes time to find the best new or used car classifieds to buy your car, visit Linkwizz (www.linkwizz.com.au) ...our specialist used cars classifieds and new cars classifieds are ideal to buy cars for sale online or sell cars for sale online – Linkwizz is simple, straightforward and easy to buy or sell used or new cars.