3 Tips for Buying a Salvation Army Car

The Salvation Army purchases vehicles through donations. Sometimes these are vehicles that the owners no longer need, for various reasons and are in reasonably good condition. Sometimes they are vehicles that are damaged or mechanically defective and the previous owners have chosen not to repair, sell or trade them. They have decided to donate the vehicle to get a charitable contribution tax deduction.

In the state I live in, a vehicle cannot be sold to the public if that vehicle does not pass smog and safety standards. When The Salvation Army obtains a smog-free vehicle, it sells it to a dealer who will either repair the vehicle to meet safety and smog standards or resell it to a wholesaler.

Tip #1 Most used car buyers are aware that when buying a used vehicle they are going to have to make an investment in the car to keep it in excellent running condition. Before buying a used car, you must first drive the vehicle, both on the street and on the highway. Make sure you like the way the car drives, that it accelerates well and brakes well. Check the car for any visible damage. Check both under the hood and inside the trunk. If the car has been in an accident, sometimes telltale signs show up in those places. Look for mismatched paint on the exterior of the vehicle. If a car has been repaired with Bondo, leave it on the lot.

If you have a trusted mechanic, ask them to inspect the vehicle. before your purchase. They will usually charge you a small fee to do this, but it will be well worth it. You will know what needs to be done to the vehicle to keep it running in excellent condition and the approximate cost of repairs. You can also put the car on a rack and check the frame for damage.

Tip #2 When you first visit the lot, take a notepad and pen with you. Write down the mileage and the VIN number (Vehicle Identification Number). You will need the VIN number to run a Carfax report. There is a small charge for these, but it’s worth the small fee to make sure the vehicle hasn’t been in a flood and water damaged.

High mileage cars are worthless to a dealer because they can’t finance the car. These are the cars you see advertised “As Is, All Cash, No Warranty.” 2011-1998= 13 years 13/100,000=7693 miles per year. Average mileage is between 10,000 and 15,000 miles so this vehicle should show less interior and mechanical wear. Keep in mind that vehicles are known to still be serviceable with good maintenance for 300,000 to 400,000 miles, but this is not typical.

Tip #3 Cars sold by The Salvation Army will be priced to sell. These prices are negotiable within reason. Many times the age of the vehicle will be older than what you will find in the Kelly Blue Book. Prices for cars over 20 years old can be found online at NADAguides.com with classic car pricing. If you have followed my suggestions and feel confident that the car will serve you well, negotiate in good faith for a price that suits you. Remember that this will not have any commercially marketable value, so your price is your best offer.

Following these tips will take some of the uncertainty out of buying a used Salvation Army vehicle. Good luck.