Understanding Car Ads
What does "firm" mean?
If you see the term 'firm' in advertisement in association with price of that particular vehicle, don't expect to negotiate. The person is saying this is what the vehicle they believe is worth, and that's the price that they are going to accept.
What does "clean" mean?
When understanding car ads, the term ‘clean' just basically refers to the fact that the vehicle is very clean, has very few dings or scratches, the interior is in good condition and the carpets are clean. It's a good ‘clean' quality vehicle.
What does "custom" mean?
When understanding car ads, the term ‘custom' would often be referred to the fact that some work has been done to the car. This could maybe mean new wheels, lowered suspension or a special stereo system. Therefore some ‘custom' work has been done by the previous owner.
What does "loaded" mean?
When understanding car ads, the term ‘loaded' would be that the vehicle came from the factory in its very highest spec. So, it has the best stereo system from the manufacturer, the best wheels, and the best engine. The ‘loaded' car is the cream of the crop for that particular vehicle.
What does "vintage" mean?
Vintage would generally refer to a vehicle that is maybe more than twenty years old. So, it's now gone from "old car" into "new attractive old car." Maybe it has a particular style, a particular design which is coming back into vogue, so this is a vehicle which is getting attention for the second time around.
What does "cherry condition" mean?
Cherry condition would be ultra clean. This is a vehicle that has been abduley detailed beautifully, recent coat of wax, perfectly shampooed carpets. Just perfect, ready to drive off.
What does "cream puff" mean?
When understanding car ads, a cream puff is an old term in the automotive industry. Basically cream puff means it's absolutely perfect, there's no work to be done on it at all. The car has been maintained and detailed up to a very high level.
What does "mint condition" mean?
Mint condition means that it's an older vehicle, but it looks like it's just rolled off the factory floor.
What does "excellent condition" mean?
When understanding car ads, “excellent condition” would generally refer to a vehicle that has no problems, it's ready to go and ready for sale.
What does "good condition" mean?
When understanding car ads, ‘good condition' would usually refer to a vehicle that might have a few scratches, might need new tires or some new brakes. The car will need a little bit of work to be done, but still represents a good value car purchase.
What does "runs ok" mean?
Runs ok is probably one of those first kind of warning signs. This is a vehicle that is probably going to require some additional budget to get it up to a proper using spec after you purchase the it. So if you see "runs ok", you know you're probably walking into dangerous waters.
What does "looks ok" mean?
When understanding car ads, the term “looks ok” is basically saying that the seller recognizes that the vehicle is not in its best cosmetic condition. The car may have a broken headlamp or tail lamp, it may be missing a hubcap, scratches, dings, but mechanically it's okay. Therefore the seller is just making sure you are aware of what condition the car is that you're buying.
What does "runs" mean?
Essentially, when you see the word runs it's saying that you can drive it away from that person's home or off the lot, but it probably needs a lot of work thereafter.
What does "needs work" mean?
Needs work is a project car, this is one that you can expect to spend very little for, but then spend much more once you buy the vehicle to get it back up to mechanical spec.
