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Lower costs, getting "more" car for less money and rapid depreciation of new cars are reasons frequently given for buying used cars. If you've decided to purchase a used car, consider these tips:
- Narrow your search to three vehicle types and brands.
- Do your homework. Research the retail price of those vehicles before shopping by using web sites such as KelleyBlueBook.com. You can also find reliable models in magazines such as Consumer Reports.
- Arrange financing before you shop and conside what car payment would comfortably fit into your monthly budget.
- Ask the seller questions such as: Whay are you selling the vehicle? What is the mileage, and why is it low or high? What are its features? How many owners has the vehicle had? Was it ever in an accident? Do you have service records?
- Take the car for a test-drive and pay attention to road noise, handling, whether the brakes are firm or pull to one side during hard braking, seating comfort and headroom.
- Have an independent professional mechanic inspect the car.
- Order a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) report from Carfax.com.
