If you’ve always dreamed of owning a foreign luxury or sports car but can’t afford the high sticker price of this year’s model, purchasing a pre-owned vehicle is a great way to get the car you want without breaking the bank. Before you head to the nearest used car dealership or answer that online ad from the private seller, though, it’s important to know what you need to look for before purchasing a pre-owned vehicle in order to save yourself trouble and potential costly repairs down the road. Anyone who is looking into purchasing a pre-owned car should take time to read the following tips so that you can be sure you’re getting a great deal on a car you’ll love!

Watch Out for Scams- You’ve heard the old saying, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” This more than applies to buying a pre-owned luxury or sports car. It’s something of a red flag if a private seller is asking $5000 for a two-year-old Porsche, or if the salesperson at the used car dealership is evasive about the history of a vehicle with a serious markdown price, you may be in for a rude awakening once you sign on the dotted line. No matter how good a deal it appears to be, you have to question the reason if it is almost a little too good.

Get the Carfax– Any reputable seller of pre-owned vehicles should have no problem providing a Carfax report that details the entire history of the car, including any collisions the vehicle has been in. If your seller is reluctant to provide the Carfax report, walk away from the deal, as it is probable that they’re trying to hide something major about the condition of the car.

Beauty is Only Skin Deep– …or in this case, exterior-deep. Sure, the car is glossy and sleek, like something out of your dreams, but it could be hiding some major frame damage from a past collision, serious engine or transmission issues, or another potentially high-cost problem that will plague you once you take over ownership. We know it’s hard, but until you get all the facts and thoroughly vet the pre-owned vehicle, try not to fall in love.

Don’t Be Afraid to Haggle- So you’ve found your dream car at a pre-owned dealership or through a private seller, and everything checks out. Great! But don’t think the price tag is non-negotiable. At many pre-owned dealerships, as well as private deals, the quoted price is simply the opening offer. Don’t be shy about trying to negotiate for a lower price, or even to have a couple of perks such as free oil changes thrown in. If you are able to pay in cash, most dealerships are happy to work with you on reaching a lower price. Even if you are financing your pre-owned luxury or sports vehicle, it’s never a bad idea to try to haggle a bit. In any case, you should never accept the original price tag as the final offer. They want to sell you the car every bit as much as you want to buy it.

Knowing how to spot the red flags and successfully negotiate for the best price is all part of purchasing a pre-owned vehicle. Arming yourself with the knowledge and confidence that it takes to buy a pre-owned sports or luxury vehicle will save you a bundle of time and money in the future. When it comes time to bring your beautiful pre-owned sports or luxury vehicle in for scheduled maintenance, Autos of Europe is here for you. We are Manchester, MO’s premier choice for European-made automotive service and repair, and we provide nothing but world-class service to every customer we serve. If you have questions about purchasing a pre-owned vehicle, or if you need specialized service on your recent acquisition call Autos of Europe today at 636-227-8887.