Info wanted-USA-Second Hand Car Buying

gremilex

I am moving to the USA, California specifically.
Need to buy two family vehicles.
In the UK I was very impressed with https://www.HonestJohn.co.uk for second-hand car information.

Does anyone know of any other good sites pertaining to the USA that could accelerate my understanding of how their second-hand market works and what to look out for.

Bought my last UK car at auction and it has been an excellent buy.

I have heard that https://www.carfax.com is good for checking for HP.

Any other advice gratefully received.

My main goals will be to get a good reliable car, that has lost most of its depreciation already. However, I am not sure what the local pitfall are.

jjames_3

One thing about the US market is that the prices of new cars are substantially lower, and conversely second-hand values are much stronger than they are here where cars lose 30% of their value as soon as you drive them off the forecourt.

It may be a lot less hassle to just buy a relatively budget car brand-new if you're unsure of the turf.

vansboy

Did you post the question on HJ's site - you'll get some good feedback there.

I don't think you'll find USA auctions are quite the same as ours - more trade orientated.

& most of the 'deals' are on the personal contract style, for new cars - to try to get you going back for a new model, again & again.

& thats JUST what they'll have us doing, the way things are being sold to us, over here, in a few years!!

VB

Pegleg2001

I lived on the east coast for a few years. Cars are considerably cheaper to buy (as is fuel) and generally most people lease from new. Imports are as per European pricing, but you get what you pay for...

Be aware - US cars are crap (I had a Chrysler Cirrus which had numerous faults and dealer aftercare was awful). I concluded they are designed to last the term of the lease - 3 years - then fall apart. It's the American way.

Insurance is very expensive. If you are inclined, personalised ('vanity') license plates are cheap (you can choose your own letter/number combo).

No experience of buying privately used, but I noted that seller has to declare sale and pay state sales tax. Sounded like double taxation to me!

gremilex

Thanks for the excellent responses.