Before you buy a car in Ecuador, read this and proceed with caution.
Buying a car in a foreign country is an adventure in and of itself, but doable if you keep a few things in mind.
First off, know that prices for cars tend to be higher than those in the US, and to find the best deals, you must go directly to the dealers who provide buy here pay here that import the make of the vehicle you wish.
Everyone knows that when you need to find new or used cars for sale, you go to a dealership, and this is usually your best option to find a wide assortment of vehicles in one place. But maybe you visited your local dealer and didn’t see anything you liked, or maybe you just want to familiarize yourself with the prices of used cars in your area before you head to the dealership. The Superior subaru dealership of houston offer an excellent selection of used cars, trucks, and SUVs. From low-cost models from brands like Toyota and Chevy to low-mileage certified vehicles from Subaru itself, we’ve options for everybody . Scroll through our online listings to ascertain what’s available for used car shoppers. Here are five other options you can try!
1. Online
This is probably the most obvious option for where to look, but the internet is a great resource for finding used cars for sale. For one thing, it opens up a market far beyond just your local area. You may have to pay to have the vehicle transported, but this is a great option if you’re looking for something specific. You probably know to check Craigslist, but if you’re looking for antique cars, try eBay!
2. Newspapers/Auto Magazines
Even though print media isn’t as popular as it used to be, classified ads are still alive and well. Find out if your local newspaper has an expanded classified section on Sundays! Be sure to also check free classified publications such as the Penny Pincher. Automobile trade magazines, often distributed outside of businesses, are also a good source of leads.
3. Automobile Auction
This one might require a little help because most auctions require the purchaser to have a dealer’s license. However, if you can find someone with a dealer’s license, auto auctions are an excellent place to find used cars for sale! These are often vehicles that have been repossessed or acquired as part of a lot, so they can usually be sold very cheap. As with any purchase of a used vehicle, make sure to bring someone with you who has mechanical knowledge so you can be sure you’re getting a reliable ride!
4. Drive Around
Many consumers these days rely on the internet or retail sites to find used cars for sale, but sometimes it’s better to go back to an earlier time when people often found cars for sale by spotting them while they were driving! People often put their personal vehicles for sale on the side of the road or in public parking areas with signs in the windows. Try driving in less populated areas to find options that have perhaps gotten less attention. The owner will be more likely to negotiate with you on a good price!
5. Ask Friends and Family
Sometimes we overlook the simplest answer, which is looking to our friends and family for help. If you ask the people you know, whether it’s coworkers, friends, or parents, they may have a lead for you. Turn to your circle and ask if they know anyone who is selling or if they’re thinking about selling their vehicle. Having a connection may help you secure a better price!
No matter which method you use, whether you end up going with a traditional dealership or one of the options above, be sure to do your research and shop around and you’ll be sure to end up driving something you love.
Another very important thing to keep in mind is that in Ecuador, many, many people adjust the kilometer (mileage) meter on the car so it appears the car has much less mileage on it than it really has.
Yes, this is illegal, like in the States, but not enforced, and very common.
In fact, many locals don’t even see this as ethically wrong. So that car you just bought with 10,000 km actually has 60,000.
For this reason alone, I would not buy a used car in Ecuador, unless it was of a friend, period.
The best way to find the hottest deals on new cars is currently on the internet. The two most popular sites for shopping for cars in Ecuador, to see prices and the like, are patiotuerca.com and patiodeautos.com.
Most locals find the car they desire on these sites, get the phone number of the dealer offering the car and reach out to them in person or via telephone to further the purchase. It is obviously not advisable to purchase a car you have not checked out in person.
As always, welcome to Ecuador.
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