AboutRay Paulsen Expertise confused buying new or used...buy with confidence from dealer or private...consumer fears...paying to much...getting a lemon...accident car...fair value for trade...negotiation process...etc...you simply want a fair deal...
Experience over 30 years in automotive industry, management, retail, wholesale, appraisals, auctions, vintage
Question I am in Texas,thinking of buy a 2001 cherokee 163k. inline six cylinder engine starts right up, sounds great, looks perfect. $4000.
The seller is a mechanic/detailer and says he is also a "certified dealer"
1~What makes a person a certified dealer? (in texas)
2~Can I make sure he is certified somehow?
3~The guy is a mechanic by trade, I dont know if that is a bad sign or a good one.. what do you think?(He does sell used cars out of his shops parking lot)
4~What do you think of cherokee sports with high miles? The online reviews are mixed.
ALL TIPS AND THOUGHTS FROM AN EXPERT ARE VERY WELCOMED! thank you much
~ John Strain
Answer Hi John
(1) He is registered to sell to public
(2) There should be somewhere posted or in dealers possession a certificate for you to view, and on bill of sale there should be a registered dealer #
(3) I don't have a problem with someone buying from a mechanical shop, to a degree they want to deliver a car that's road worthy not having consumer knocking down the doors after the fact.
Buying privately in this price range I would consider more risky.
(4) Buying any vehicle in this price range is all about CONDITION that will outlast your investment
""" starts right up - sounds great - looks pefect ??? """
go to this link on my website http://www.usedcartips.org/TESTDRI.html you will pick up some pointers.
SUMMARY... The average vehicle 1 to 6 model years old depreciate about $2500. a year, with an investment around $4 - $5000. range you will have secured your investment if you have no major mechanical problems for about 2 years... Good Luck
