Uncle Sam's Cars & Motorcycles Etc.

701 & 704 SW Lee Blvd. Lawton, OK 73501 580-585-1662

FAQs

10 STEPS TO BUYING A USED CAR

  1. Step 1: How Much Can I Afford?

    Decide What You Want to Spend, and Can Spend

    • Before considering the purchase of a used car, it is wise to establish the amount you are willing to spend or, if taking a loan, calculate your maximum monthly payment - and then make a firm commitment to stay within that amount.

  2. Step 2: What's the Right Car for You?

     Decide Whether You Need a Car, SUV, Truck, Etc.

    • OK, if you made it this far, we are assuming you have a year, make and model in mind. Now let's go shopping. If you haven't already done so, it's time to empower yourself by visiting Kelley Blue Book's Used Car Retail Values. Here you can find out how much a dealer might be asking for your desired model. Keep in mind that most used vehicles are sold below asking price, depending on local market conditions. We provide the Blue Book Suggested Retail value of models dating back 21 years. While you're there, take the opportunity to get a Blue Book Trade-In value for your own car. You will see how various options, mileage and overall condition will affect the value of your vehicle.

  3. Step 3: What is Your Car's Value?

    Take the Opportunity to Look Up the Value of A Car

    • Pricing for retail cars at a dealership will vary, but because of the refurbishing a dealer must do to ready the car or truck for sale, the retail price of the used car will typically be more than a private party price.

  4. Step 4: Contact and Communicate with the Seller

    Ask the Dealer Questions

    All used car dealers in Oklahoma give the purchaser a 30 day temporary tag and the title that day, if they pay with CASH. If the customer pays the dealer with a check, most banks take a full 10 work days, not counting holidays or week-ends, to make sure the check clears.

    • If the title is not available at the time, the dealer has a 30 day grace period to provide the customer with the title. All dealers must provide the title before the 31st day after the sale or the customer has the option of getting a full money return on the vehicle purchased.

    Always feel free to contact Uncle Sam's Cars Etc. anytime in order for them to answer your questions.

  5. Step 5: Ask for the VIN to purchase a CARFAX History Report

    Write Down the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

    The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) which is a 17-digit code usually located on the top of the instrument panel or at the base of the windshield. It will also be on a sticker on the driver's-side door pillar, and in several other places around the vehicle.

    • The VIN will allow you to check the title and get a detailed CARFAX Vehicle History Report. A CARFAX report can identify major problems with the vehicle, including past accidents, flood damage and odometer discrepancies.

  6. Step 6: Conduct a Thorough Walk-Around

    Take A Closer Look at the Vehicle

    A physical assessment of the vehicle is absolutely paramount before the purchase. Take your time and be thorough with your examination.

    • Have your own personal mechanic come with you to the car lot to inspect the vehicle if you feel it necessary.
    • Check the tires for wear. Uneven tire wear -- balding on the sides or in the middle -- could indicate the need for a front-end alignment or a more costly repair to a suspension component.

  7. Step 7: Conduct a Test Drive

    Have Money in Your Pocket to Test Drive

    It looks good and sounds fine, so now it's time for the all-important test drive. This gives you the opportunity to gauge a vehicle's driving characteristics and also minimizes the chance of future buyer's remorse.

    • Seat Comfort

    Is the seat too hard or too soft? Does it hold you firmly with good lateral and thigh support?

    • Cockpit Ergonomics

    Is the steering wheel too high or too close to the instrument panel? When adjusted to a comfortable position, does it cut off your view of any or all of the gauges? Look at the layout of the radio and heater controls. Can they be easily adjusted without taking your eyes of the road?

    • The Brakes

    Cars with ABS (antilock brakes) will have a slight pulsating action in the pedal when the brake is applied with great force (panic stops, for example). Cars without ABS should not have pulsating brake pedals under any circumstances. The car should also continue in a straight line when the brakes are applied. If the car pulls noticeably to the left or right, it could indicate a problem with the front brake calipers or pads, some other area of the brakes, the suspension or steering gear.

  8. Step 8: Go the Extra Mile to Assure Quality

    Bring Your Mechanic with You

    If the car fails on any of these points, have a mechanic come with you to evaluate repairs. It is then your call whether you want to walk away or negotiate the price based on the repair estimate.

    Finally, whatever you do, get everything IN WRITING. This means if you settle with a private party, write up a contract stating what you are paying for the vehicle and under what terms it is to be delivered.

  9. Step 9: Find Out What You Need to Purchase A Car

    All You Need is a Picture I.D.

    • All a person needs to purchase a car from Uncle Sam's Cars Etc. is some form of a Picture I.D. (at least 18 years of age) and CASH money.
    • We do NOT need to see proof of insurance or a driver's license.

  10. Step 10: Drive Away Your New Car

    Get the Best Price

    What can be negotiated is between you and the dealer and you never know what you can get until you ask.

    And, here is one final point regarding negotiation that nearly every customer misunderstands, particularly men (who too often turn the process into a contest), but which is universally understood by every good car salesperson: He who talks the least is controlling the negotiation, he who talks first loses.

    With that, good luck, good shopping and good driving.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

  1. What do I need to buy a used car?

    All a customer needs to purchase a used vehicle from Uncle Sam's Cars Etc. is to be at least 18 years of age or older and a Picture I.D.

    We do NOT need to see proof of insurance or a driver's license.

  2. How do I know the value of my trade-in?

    Do some research:

    Click on the links associated with the Used Car Trade-In Value.

    Determine the condition of your vehicle:

    • Excellent (Only 2% of cars fall into this category)
    • Good
    • Fair

  3. How do I know what car is right for me?

    Identify Your Transportation Needs.

    Ask yourself these questions:

    • Do I need room?
    • What kind of gas mileage do I need?
    • Is the car in my price range?
    • What is my price range?
    • What is my preferred manufacturer?
    • How many people should it seat?
    • What model do I want?

  4. How do I know I am getting a good priced vehicle?

    Check auto buying guides, the Internet and other sources to find out the price range and other information for the vehicle you want to buy.

    Also, check around town at all the other used car dealer's and compare their prices. Usually the dealer's that offer financing are 30-40% more expensive than the dealer's who do not. Look into that.

  5. What do I bring with me to sell my car to Uncle Sam's Cars Etc.?

    • Your Vehicle
    • Certification of Title
    • Lien Release
    • Proper Identification

  6. How long will it take me to sell my car to Uncle Sam's Cars Etc.?

    It takes no longer than 20 minutes or less to sell your car to Uncle Sam's Cars Etc. We will appraise your vehicle for the highest possible cash value. We do NOT write checks or give you a money order, we pay you in cash that same day!

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