Used cars let you get the best value out of your vehicle budget. Buying used cars, if you go about it wisely, is a way of getting new power, performance and features without the high price point of a new vehicle. Best of all, there are a number of used cars for sale online. You can even find used car parts to maintain your vehicles online, too.
When shopping for used cars online, you should take the same factors that go into purchasing a vehicle in person into account, along with a few new ones. In addition to considering the vehicle's condition, features and price, you should also factor in shipping or transport costs from the vehicle's current location and any guarantees the seller may offer. There are three main ways to locate and maintain used cars online:
1. Shop at used car dealerships
2. Browse the used car classifieds
3. Track down used car parts online
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Visit the used car dealers on your computer
Remember that while used car dealers are present online, they almost always represent a brick and mortar operation that is determined to make used car pricing work out in their favor, not yours, and may not offer used cars at fleet prices. Make sure that the dealership you're about to negotiate with has someone that can handle the specific terms of business fleet sales.
I recommend: You can locate used business fleet dealers regionally using sites like
OCfleet, which helps you to locate dealers selling used vehicles at fleet prices in California.
AutoFleet takes the search to a national level, letting you find business fleet dealers throughout the United States.
Find used cars in the online classifieds
Shopping the classifieds is a good way to find used vehicles for sale online. While the majority of vehicles for sale in online classifieds will be listed by private parties, fleet vehicles are sometimes advertised in the classifieds as well.
I recommend: Autotrader.com is a massive online clearing house for used vehicles throughout the nation.
Automotive Shopping offers used cars at fleet prices from sellers nationwide.
Buy used car parts to keep your new-to-you car running smoothly
As with many other expensive mechanical or electronic pieces, you can save a lot of money by buying refurbished or used car parts. Shopping online lets you pick from a wider selection than may be locally available.
I recommend: It only takes a few minutes for your parts buyer to locate used car parts online.
Car-Part.com lets you search for used part by vehicle, part or location.
JunkyardDog.com lets you send out a request for a particular part online, then lets the used car parts dealers compete to win for your business.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Negotiating fleet purchases requires a different set of skills than many other business purchases. If you or your business buyers aren't sure you can hammer out the best deals for your company, consider hiring a business adviser or purchase negotiator with the appropriate expertise to net you the best used car prices possible.
Related Resources from Business.com
Comments
Is any content on this page inappropriate? To let us know, please 
