Home > Fayette.Talk > Archives > 2008 > May > 28 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USAre used car lots a good deal?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For the past few months I’ve been looking for a used car for my daughter… very used.
But what I buy her and how much I spend isn’t the main issue of this blog. My question is about the number of small used car lots that are in and around Fayette County.
Would you purchase a car from them?
If you drive on Ga. 54 by Piedmont Fayette Hospital, there is a car lot right next to the hospital.
Also, on Ga. 85, just about 3 miles South of the Courthouse intersection, there’s another used car lot.
A few of them dot Ga. 85 as you head towards Riverdale. While I haven’t seen what I’m looking for in those places, it’s very tempting to consider their inventory because I don’t want to spend $20 in gas driving to Kennesaw, Norcross or any other location over 30 miles away.
(By the way, that seems to be my stock answer to everything- “I don’t want to drive anywhere because of the cost of gasoline).
So what do you think? Should I even bother looking at those smaller lots? Have you ever bought a car from one of those places? Tell me your experience if you did.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: Abby Brunks
Comments
By tompkins
May 28, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
Yes, I think you should give them a shot. I have found out the overall price you pay for a car at used car lot is usually $3000-$5000 less. Plus I’m sure you don’t want to pay on a car for 60/mth when your child’s taste may change in 2 or 3 years, which is usually the length of the car loans for used cars. If you are worried about the car having hidden damage, ask the dealer if they will pull a CARFAX report, if they say no, write the VIN # down, and do yourself. Get a 12 month or 24 month warranty and you are done. I bought an SUV (I know, but I’m 4 miles from work), 6 months ago. I went to 2 dealers in union city that had me in 6 years contracts for a used SUV and I would’ve paid over $30000, I went to a used car dealer on GA 85, and I have a used SUV that I’m paying 18,000 over 3 years. GREAT!!
By tompkins
May 28, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
Correction… I’m paying 13,000 over 3 years.
By Marty
May 28, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
The answer is no, generally used car lots are not a good deal.
One the whole, (note: there are always exceptions) used car dealers are dishonest and sell questionable vehicles. A lot of them are just those they picked up at the dealer auction.
You are (generally) far better off purchasing a vehicle from a private seller like from those listing ads in the AJC or Autotrader.com.
When I lived in Alabama and was younger, I purchased all my vehicles from used car dealers in Atlanta/other parts of Georgia.
Here’s a sample of how “good they were to me”:
Q: How do you know when a car dealer is lying? A: Their mouth is moving.