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The reason for this article is show the public that there are many cars to be bought at comparatively low prices. There a few general tips to get you started.

Research is the best advice i can give, read up on cars you like, visit websites about reviews and search the papers for rough prices. These can be checked for accuracy against websites such as redbook.com which give national average selling prices. In searching for a vehicle it is noticeable that some might not be value for money. Here in Australia for example, Holden's are cars which depreciates massively. Choosing a vehicle such as one pictured on the right hand side of the page offers great value for money. In the year 2001 the vehicle was sold for close to $60K Au. Now after seven years this vehicle with only 100,000km on the odometer may be bought for as littles as $12,000. As percentage thats almost a sixth of the original purchase price. Now this vehicle came in a few different engine sizes, the V6, supercharged V6 and the 5.7L V8. All the vehicles tend to increase price in respective oder. The running costs is almost relatively the same in the scheme of things.
The following figures are obtained from friends with same vehicles

• V6 ususes on average 12L per 100km round town regular unleaded
• Supercharged V6 12L per 100km but must be filled using premium
• V8 uses 14L per 100km is filled with regular unleaded

Overall the price difference from either case is a measly 2L per 100km. Now thats equivalent to about 2 cups of coffee every time the vehicle is filled up. However a vehicle with a large motor generally last for substantially longer and hence money is saved on maintenance offering future savings. The vehicle mentioned above has been well seen in the average circles with well in excess of 300,000km however the V6 motors are rarely seen with respective high millage.

Just to note many people say they want a small car because its cheaper to run. The question is weather this is true. Now my mother owns a Toyota Camry with a 4 cylinder motor and she averages 12L per 100km. Now how is that cheaper to run. The vehicle goes slower because it has smaller motor, will wear out quicker because it generally revs higher and maintenance in the future will require to be more frequent.

A note to mention is buying a luxury vehicle which is not the current model is the way to go. The vehicles depreciate quickly but eventually plateau. A similar vehicle which is a few years older pictured Grey is sold in the papers for about $6000 with 200,000km. Now on average that would require 5 years worth of driving requiring little to no maintenance and only a total loss of a $1000 a year. Which in terms of cars is an excellent return. I have friends who buy new cars for 18k and 6 years later have trouble selling them for $2000.

Having chosen the right type of vehicle comes the inspection process.See several vehicles on the market and do not discriminate between dealers and private adds, online adds and auctions. The vehicle i purchased was from a dealer because there price was most competitive. Go and see a few vehicles. Check for oil leaks, make sure the car has not been in any accidents by checking that all the panels align perfectly and look for paint imperfections. Explain to the seller you are willing to buy a vehicle in the next few days and show a wallet with a few hundred dollars to show that you are serious. Take the car for a drive listen for abnormal noises and smooth gear changes. Ideally the vehicle should be started on a cold day early in the morning that way if there are engine problems they are easier to spot. Check for smoke if its not clear than stay away. A motor that starts after the first crank of the key in the morning is generally a good one. I f your not comfortable inspecting the vehicle go to a local mechanic and pay him $60 give them the address and they will inspect it for you.

Once you found a vehicle you are happy with, make an offer on paper writing you are willing to buy the vehicle for this price for this amount subject due to the following reasons, tires may need replacing interior is damaged, dirty under bonnet. Basically what ever you dont like mention it here. Right your name and telephone number hand the paper to the seller. Most importantly right on the document the offer is only valid for 24 hours as further vehicles are being considered. Within the next day you should receive a call from the seller either agreeing or asking to negotiate on the price. Its now up to you to decide if you are willing to pay more or find another vehicle. Remember as the buyer you control the purchase and you have the power. Once this is understood buying becomes a a challenge and the vehicle bought can also be sold or traded to dealers for a greater amount. Its all about knowing the market by researching it.

Any questions can be submitted for answers.

Juraj Dub