Tag Archives: cheap used cars

How to Negotiate Used Car Prices Like a Pro

This entry was posted in Financing and tagged bank-owned cars, cheap used cars, negotiations, repo cars, used cars on June 8, 2021 by repofinder.

Whether you plan on buying a car from an auction, dealership or private party, there are some simple ways you can save money. It’s worth it to negotiate the price of a vehicle because cars depreciate quickly. After three years, the average car is worth about 60 percent of what it was when it was new.

However, negotiating the price of a used car isn’t as easy as it once was. This industry has changed dramatically with online shopping. Car shoppers can now look at various websites and compare the numbers, so dealerships offer up some of their best prices.

While dealerships may not be as interested in negotiating prices, banks and credit unions are. They are highly motivated sellers who are often willing to come down in price. Here are some auction tips for negotiating used car prices.

Know the Numbers

Educate yourself on the current market value of the vehicle you’re interested in. You can find this information in Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds. Knowing the current pricing will give you confidence in your negotiations and prevent you from overpaying.

Choose the Right Auction

Search for “open” or “public” auctions that don’t require a dealer’s license. Other specialty auctions sell limited types of vehicles, such as those old cop cars you see on the road. RepoFinder has the largest inventory of bank repos in America, so you’ll definitely see a lot more than government-looking cars.

You can usually attend public auctions for free, though if you want to place a bid, you’ll have to pay a fee. These fees can add up, but a RepoFinder Pro membership is just $4.95 a month. In addition to cars, pickup trucks and SUVs, we also have boats, motorcycles, RVs, ATVs and more. And no, you do NOT need a dealer’s license to buy them.

Talk to the Seller Directly

Depending on the type of auction you’re bidding in, you may be able to message the seller directly. Remember, banks are highly motivated sellers that want to get repossessed vehicles off their lot. By getting in touch with them and asking questions, you’ll feel better about placing a bid and they’ll be more open to working out a deal with you.

Inspect the Vehicle

Most auctions give you the opportunity to inspect the vehicle before taking it home. You probably won’t get to test drive it but you can still sit in the car, start it and even put it into gear. We also recommend getting a vehicle inspection report and reviewing all images that the seller provides. If there are things you are concerned with, you can let the seller know and use this in your negotiations.

If you’re looking for a great deal on a used vehicle, RepoFinder has an extensive list of repo vehicles. Many of our vehicles are new and in great condition, and our sellers are highly motivated. Find something you love and place your bid today!

8 Signs it’s Time to Buy a New Car

This entry was posted in Repo Cars and tagged bank-owned vehicles, car shopping, cheap cars, cheap used cars, repo cars, used cars on April 19, 2021 by repofinder.

From technology to car repairs, how do you know when it’s time to buy a new vehicle? You may not be ready to make the investment, but you also don’t want to wait until your car is no longer functional. By starting your search early, you can take your time looking for vehicles that fit your needs and budget.

Below are eight signs that it’s time to buy a new or used car from the banks or your local dealer.

1. Major repairs are wearing you thin.

The cost of repairs depends on the damage that has been done to the vehicle. Sometimes, the repairs are worth more than what the car costs. If you’re constantly having to put money into your vehicle and it’s not worth anything, it’s time to cut your losses and invest in something reliable.

2. Your car is becoming a money pit.

When your car constantly requires repairs and maintenance, it becomes a money pit. Imagine the time and money you’ll save by not having to bring your car back and forth to the auto shop. Unfortunately, once a car experiences frequent repairs, they generally don’t stop.

3. It’s lacking the latest technology.

Your car may be outdated compared to the new cars of the generation, but is this really a reason to upgrade? It could be. While your car doesn’t need all the bells and whistles to be safe and functional, it should have certain technology to keep you and others safe. Nowadays, many cars are equipped with backup cameras, lane assist, collision detection and more.

4. Your car is far behind on safety.

You should always feel safe in your car. While having the latest technology is helpful, your car should also have good safety ratings. Check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database for your vehicle’s safety rating as well as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Also stay on top of recalls and check your car’s lights, wipers and brakes.

5. Duct tape is your vehicle’s fashion accessory.

Some people drive around with their cars taped up because they can’t afford their deductibles. Not only is this an eyesore but also it can compromise your vehicle’s safety. Rather than driving around a near broken vehicle, swap it for something that’s safe, reliable and affordable – RepoFinder can fill all three!

6. You’re embarrassed by your car.

If you park in the back so that people don’t see what you drive, it’s probably time for something new. Here at RepoFinder, we don’t believe you need to drive around brand new cars to get noticed but you should have something that you’re not embarrassed of. Why pay for something you hate?

7. Your car no longer fits your needs.

As your life changes, your car needs do, too. A growing family requires a spacious SUV or minivan while a pair of empty nesters can get by on a fuel-efficient sedan. If your car no longer accommodates your lifestyle, it’s time to go shopping for something more practical.

8. Your car has trouble starting.

If you do the happy dance when your car starts, it’s only a matter of time before it doesn’t. Who wants to be stranded or late for work because of an undependable car? Being proactive prevents this from happening and also ensures you’re not pressured to buy something the day your vehicle dies.

Overall, these are some of the most important factors that influence when you should buy a new car. Although these signs might appear to be nuisances, they can actually put you and other drivers at risk. To shop for affordable bank-owned vehicles, browse the inventory from RepoFinder.com today.

4 Basic Used Car Buying Mistakes to Avoid

This entry was posted in Used Cars and tagged cheap cars, cheap used cars, online car shopping, repo cars, repossessed cars, repossessions, used cars on December 18, 2020 by repofinder.

Buying a new or used car is an exciting experience. You get to pick out something new and shiny while taking advantage of some of the latest features like automatic-braking sensors, mapping technology, adaptive cruise control and cameras in the back and front. But with so much to pay attention to, it’s easy to skip over important details that can come back to bite you later on.

To help out, we’ve compiled a list of five used car mistakes you’ll want to avoid.

Mistake #1. Not Doing the Proper Research.

Even with all of the information available online, people still make this mistake quite often. It’s common for people to head to the dealership to see what’s available and buy something on the spot. They generally don’t return home, research cars and then go back to the dealership. Plus, there’s pressure from the car salespeople to buy something.

Prepare yourself for the costs of buying a used car and know what features are important to you. And, if you do better in low-pressure environments, consider shopping online for used cars instead. This way, you can take your time, research your options, ask questions and read reviews.

Mistake #2. Limiting Your Options.

When you’re looking for a budget-friendly car that will get you to work, school or errands, it’s best to keep your options open. You might have a dream car in mind, but limiting your options based on a specific model, manufacturer or style can cause you to look over other great options. At the end of the day, you need a car that’s dependable and meets your lifestyle needs.

Mistake #3. Overlooking a History Report.

We always recommend getting as much information as you can on the vehicle’s history. This isn’t always easy with repossessed cars and SUVs because these vehicles were taken from their previous owner and not much may be known about the history. But you can still usually find out some information such as the car’s miles, title status and accident history. All you need is the vehicle’s VIN.

Mistake #4. Going Over Your Budget.

Whether it’s your dream car or the promise of new technology, it’s easy to overextend yourself on your budget. But let us tell you that after working with repossessions for many years, you don’t want to do this. Cars are meant to be functional and get you to where you need to go. You should not have to choose between groceries and a car payment every month. Choose your budget wisely and stick to it. You’ll thank yourself later.

Plenty of people have made these mistakes when shopping for used cars, but you don’t have to. You can learn from them and choose a vehicle that makes sense for your budget and lifestyle – and be proud of it, too! To find an affordable used car, shop for repossessions at RepoFinder.com.