Need for Speed: Tips when Buying Sporty Used Cars in Indianapolis

If you’re the type who sees an open Indiana freeway as a strip that needs to be plowed through at break-neck speeds, chances are, you’ve been pining for a luxury or sports car. Before you start emptying your bank account and go looking for your dream roadster, though, you have to keep in mind the ramifications of buying such a machine. Practical Motoring gives a couple of handy tenets to keep in mind before buying your very own sports car.

Now’s the Right Time to Buy Used Cars in Indianapolis and Other Places

A growing demand for new car models and a rejuvenated economy are the reasons why used car prices are the best they’ve been since 2009. With the myriad of used cars in Indianapolis, there’s no better time to get a car or truck. CBS Moneywatch’s Jerry Edgerton writes about why car shoppers in America are poised to get behind the wheel of a preowned ride:

Indianapolis Used Cars for Sale: They’re Much Better than Ever Before

Thinking of buying a pre-owned car at an Indianapolis used cars dealer, but the stigma that the tag ‘pre-owned’ carries is somehow holding you back from making a purchase? While it’s true that the cars of yesteryear are worthy of the worry you bestow upon them, modern used cars don’t merit the same treatment. Compared to decades-old used cars, modern used cars are better built than they used to be, meaning they last longer and are more reliable than ever.

People who are Buying Used Cars in Indianapolis Ought to be Proud

Though it’s probably the greatest feeling to own brand-new rides, driving well-maintained used cars in Indianapolis is nothing to be ashamed of. Blinded by the prestige, many fail to realize how much more they have to spend to maintain a new vehicle. Columnist for USNews.com Holly Johnson writes about why the new car smell won’t be worth the price you paid for it down the road.

Colors of Indianapolis Used Cars Just as Vibrant as Cars of Tomorrow

Getting tired of seeing white, silver, or black cars? Just give car manufacturers a little more time.

In Detroit, car makers were recently invited to a simple color exhibit hosted by global chemical company BASF. According to Jeff Gilbert of WWJ Newsradio 950, the exhibit featured around 60 colors that cars of the future are expected to have. Some of the featured colors are reported to have been inspired by the American Midwest.

Picking out the Dream ‘Stang at Lots of Used Cars in Indianapolis, IN

Go around and ask people to name five American-made cars they would like to own. Chances are, the Ford Mustang will be somewhere on their list. Kristian Grimsland, associate editor of Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords magazine, writes:

"With sportiness, affordability, style, and power, Mustangs have been a hit since they were introduced in 1964.

Ford did a fantastic job creating a versatile 2+2 sports car that has become an American icon. People young and old aspire to own a Mustang, and finally it's your turn to buy one.

But before you lay down the cash, you'll need to know where to start and what to look for before making that very first purchase."

The prospect of driving home one of the enduring symbols of American automotive engineering will not be lost on Hoosier drivers, who love to burn rubber in open but safe conditions in Indianapolis. Every year, the Racing Capital of the World hosts the "Race to Indy" Mustang & All-Ford Car Show & Swap Meet, and Indiana has a number of Mustang owner community groups. If you want to invest in a Mustang and celebrate its 50 years of proud history, sellers of used cars in Indianapolis like Xtreme Motors are willing to help you.

To do your part, make a self-assessment of your needs for the vehicle. Grimsland says picking the car for daily use, fix-ups, or turning it into a show car will determine the amount of money you will have to spend after closing the deal on a base platform. The expenses include insurance, tech support, and any aftermarket parts you want to install.

The Mustang may have had five generations of redesigns, but the final model you choose is worth researching, even if a bunch of them are on your preferred used-car dealership’s listings. According to Grimsland, the S197 Mustangs, which were released from 2005 to 2014, have a stable suspension and rigid chassis, plus easy options to upgrade its performance and interior. Ask your dealer if they can inform you about any Fox-bodies (1979-1993) or SN-95 ‘Stangs (1994-2004) that come in– both generations have good aftermarket support if you know where to look.

Due diligence is needed in buying a used car for sale in Indianapolis like a Mustang. Consult your dealer about its maintenance records; remember that the VIN must be accurate. Don’t be afraid to take the unit for a test drive and negotiate your financing options as soon as possible.

The ‘Stang exudes raw power and grace, especially when you find one at a used-car place like Xtreme Motors. Take care of the car and it will take care of you.

(Source: How to Buy Your First Ford Mustang, Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords, 1 March 2013)

Consumers to Benefit from Lowering Prices of Used Cars in Indianapolis

Used cars in Indianapolis, and in other parts of the country, have been an affordable option for people who want to have their own cars but lack the financial resources to buy new ones from dealerships. Recent years have seen rising prices for pre-owned vehicles primarily driven by the huge demand recession has brought, but based on The Wall Street Journal’s Christina Rogers and Mike Ramsey’s interview with automotive analysts Jonathan Banks, used car prices are expected to go down this year:

"Prices rose 18% from 2007 through 2013, with U.S. customers paying an average of $14,685 last year. Americans bought about 42 million used vehicles, nearly three times as many as new cars sold.

But in 2014, the year-over-year rise is expected to come to a halt with used-car prices expected to fall about 1%, Mr. Banks said.

A fall in prices has been expected as used vehicle prices have remained at historic highs for several years. Indeed, prices stayed higher in 2013 than some had expected. "

This impending decline is expected to be attributable to the return of leased vehicles by Americans who are now ready to purchase brand new ones instead. Those who would still prefer to buy pre-owned cars, however, will certainly benefit from this, as it means more cars in later models will be available for a lower sales price.

Buying Indianapolis used cars do not only mean cheaper cost for relatively new models, it also means potential, substantial long-term savings and lesser depreciation amount since car value declines faster on its first three years. Another consideration in buying pre-owned is that insurance rates are higher for new cars.

People have also noticed that increased reliability have made used cars very attractive to buyers. Improvements have been carefully documented by various consumer reports, while some pre-owned vehicles even have Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles mark to show that vehicles have passed a stringent safety and performance inspection.

The resulting savings from buying used cars instead of brand new units can then be re-allocated to other far more pressing financial matters, such as making advanced payments on mortgage, or contributing to their 401Ks.

Buying quality pre-owned vehicles from trusted used car sellers, such as Xtreme Motors, can help many Americans reap the benefits of getting a reliable car at affordable prices and, subsequently, earn enough savings to use for settling other obligations or making investments for the future.

(Source: U.S. Used Car Prices Expected To Decline This Year, Christina Rogers and Mike Ramsey, January 25, 2014)

Quick and Easy Tips for Buying Reliable Used Cars in Indianapolis

Whether you’re buying brand-new cars or trusty used cars in Indianapolis, all you have to do is find the one that strikes your fancy the most, pay up, and jump in, right? Not so. According to Suzanne Kane, a writer from The Car Connection, you also “need to know what you want and (that) you are looking for a good deal.” No car buyer doesn’t want a good deal, so in order to get just that, here are some quick tips for buying used cars.

Focus on needs, not wants

Focus on what you need then set your budget limit. For example: if you’re an average chap with a family, you’ll probably want to get a simpler compact sedan worth $5000 which can comfortably sit your wife and kids for regular trips, rather than a 2-seater sports car for the same price just so you could show off.

Do your research

Ask the dealer for information regarding the past owner, and how the car was used and maintained. If possible, find out if the car had been previously damaged and the former owner had it repaired, been labeled a “lemon” (a car found to possess defects after being purchased), or had its odometer rolled back. You should also consider the car’s make and manufacturer, especially if you’re looking for a specific model.

Check the pricing

Determine if the dealer’s being honest about the price. Resources like the Kelley Blue Book or the NADA (National Automobile Dealer Association) Official Used Car Guide are invaluable in checking whether the car is priced reasonably according to specific factors like model, manufacturing year, and condition.

Inspect the car

Once you’ve decided which one, do an initial inspection. Check the frame, tires, exterior, and interior. A car with a rusty frame isn’t structurally sound; uneven and worn-out tires indicate axle assembly misalignment and recent paint jobs may indicate covered-up body damage like dents. The interior is also important; if the car’s odometer shows low miles but the seating and dash look busted, then you should be wary. If nothing’s out of the ordinary, test-drive the car to feel the engine, transmission, and drivetrain out.

Last but not least, look for a reputable used car dealer like Xtreme Motors. If need be, seek help from friends and acquaintances who may have bought a used car for sale in Indianapolis. That way, you know you’re getting only the best deals and products available.

(Source: Buying a Used Car; Top Used Car Buying Tips, The Car Connection, October 7, 2013)