The Basics of Buying a Used Car

Though you can almost always save money on a used car purchase, you need to be ready to search as a savvy consumer. Whether you're dealing with a private sale or a certified dealership, you should keep your eyes open for good deals and discipline yourself to shy away from bad ones. If you're considering the purchase of a used car, keep reading to learn the basics of a wise search. Know the Car You Want.

The used car market is huge, so having at least a general idea of what you're looking for will really help you narrow your search and allow you to get a clear idea of pricing.

Once you've chosen a make and a model, don't just sniff around at dealerships, but watch your local classifieds. Also, put the word out to friends and family that you're looking. You never know when a good deal can arise through a private sale.

Find Your Price Point

Once you have a few vehicle choices in mind, research their actual resale value. Using the Kelley Blue Book (available at kbb.com), you can look up a car's standard sale price using its make, model, year, mileage and condition.

While the Blue Book value isn't hard and fast, it offers a basic guideline that will help you recognize a good deal and know when the price of another is just too high for what you'd be buying.

Before you Buy, Get the Papers

Whether you're buying privately or through a used car dealership, always ask to see the car's title search and even vehicle history report. You can obtain your own vehicle history report through a service like CARFAX that will tell you the car's sale history, past odometer readings, emission inspections, and major incidents.

If you're buying privately, ask the seller for copies of the vehicle's maintenance receipts. While not all owners will have full records, they should have some. Though such records certainly don't prove the vehicle is currently in good shape, they do provide a bit of additional evidence that the owner may have taken good care of it over the years.

Ask for an Inspection

Unless you're buying a used car that comes with a manufacturer's warranty, always have a car inspected by a third-party, certified mechanic. Getting their independent opinion on the car can help you make a wise purchasing decision.

Always Test Drive

Unless the car isn't drivable or road-safe, it's critical that you take it for a test drive. You'll get a feel for the car and a much better awareness of any potential problems.

So, if you're planning to buy a used car, remember to narrow your selection, have an idea of the Kelley Blue Book value, obtain the appropriate paperwork, secure an inspection and always take it for a test drive.

by Derek Hudson