September and October have traditionally been prime times to buy cars as dealers close out the previous year’s models.

Muskogee dealers and other automotive experts say there are ways to save money on both new and used cars. The key is to be informed, according to Danny Littrell, co-owner of Murry Nissan.

“The information is out there,” he said. “People should research, look around for the particular car they’re interested in.”

Littrell warned against buying on impulse.

“If they don’t have much information, they buy something they are emotionally attached to and may end up making a mistake,” he said. “Sit down and talk to people face to face. Any dealer that is reputable is going to be honest with you.”

Littrell advised buying from local dealers because they could provide better service after the car is bought.

Terry Miller, owner of Terry Miller Pontiac Buick GMC said all sorts of things are considered when buying a car.

“It depends on the individual and what interests them the most, such as price, budget, warranty, peace of mind, new car smell,” he said. “If they’re driving in town they may want to get an economy car. If they drive on the highway, get a luxury car. If they haul something, get a pickup.”

Tight money might tempt people to bypass new cars altogether and just look at used cars.

But not so fast, Miller said. Buyers often get lower interest rates, longer terms and better warranties on new cars.

“Warranties on our cars have increased dramatically,” Miller said. “Our new Buicks carry a four-year, bumper-to-bumper warranty with a five-year, 100,000-mile drive train warranty.”

Still, buyers can find good warranties on used cars, he said. And a newer used car could offer the same number of options “for a similar amount of payment,” he said.

“If a person has a limited range or monthly payment, but wants a sunroof and leather seats, then a used car will work for them,” he said.

Miller said people looking to save money with a fuel efficient car may end up paying more up front.

“You may be penny smart, but pound foolish,” he said. “How long would it take before you get back the extra money you spent? It might be at least a year before you get your money back.”

Auto dealers advised buying used cars from a reputable dealer.

However, people can find used cars from private sellers if they shop wisely, said Chuck Mai, spokesman for Oklahoma AAA.

Mai said shoppers can find used cars in the area by surfing such sites as www.cars.com or www.edmunds.com as well as in newspaper classified ads.

“Smart consumers still need to do their homework,” he said. “Find the book value of the car on aaa.com, using both the Kelly Blue Book and the National Auto Dealers Association price guide. Once you have established that the car is reasonably priced, it's time to have a thorough inspection performed, ideally by a qualified automotive technician.”

Mai said there are ways to conduct your own inspection as well.

“Use all your senses to look for potential problems,” he said. “Do all the doors fit properly? Does the paint match?”

Poorly fitting doors and paint that doesn't match could indicate that the car had been in a serious accident, he said.

Mai also advised looking for spots of oil and other fluids under the car.

“A leaking engine or transmission can cost hundreds of dollars to repair,” he said. “Check all the vital fluids — low engine oil, burned transmission fluid and dirty coolant can all signal signs of abuse and a general lack of maintenance. Open the truck and look for signs of moisture and the smell of mildew, either can indicate prior body repair.”

Mai also advised a test drive, as well as a test of all the accessories such as wipers, windows, air conditioning, heating.

“The car should start quickly and easily go into gear,” he said. “The acceleration should be smooth and the engine quiet.”

Miller said his dealership inspects all the used cars it sells.

“We check belts, hose, mileage, we check everything before we put it on the lot.”



Six tips for buying a used car

• Before you buy a used car, verify the reading on the odometer.

• Check the windows, door locks and seat adjustments.

• Check the headlights, brake lights and turn indicators.

• Check for rust behind the bumpers and around the rocker panels below the doors.

• When you decide on the used car you want to buy, be sure to have it checked out by a certified mechanic at an AAA approved auto repair facility.

• If maintenance records are not available, find out where the car has been serviced and check with the facility.

Source: aaa.com.



Car buying sites

• Kelly Blue Book, www.kbb.com.

• National Auto Dealers Association price guide, www.nadaguides.com.

• www.edmunds.com.

• www.cars.com.

• American Automobile Association, aaa.com.