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Step 1
Be prepared, know what type of used car you are looking for. As simple as this sounds, most people go shopping for an auto without knowing what they want. Narrow the selection between wants and needs. For example: If you need something that is good on gas but you are still driving your teenagers around, you may need a midsize car instead of a compact car that still gets good gas mileage.
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Step 2
Research and investigate, with all of the resources available it has become really easy to get the facts. There are many good web sites where you can Compare the prices on different vehicles, and use common sense. What I mean is that if most of the vehicles you have selected they tend to be within $3,000 of each other, and there is usually good reason. Perhaps the more expensive one is "certified" and has warranty, or the equipment is different, or miles are less. If the price is too low, you should use caution.
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Step 3
If you are purchasing from a dealer, have them pull an online vehicle history report on the vehicle of choice. This report will indicate if the vehicle has been in an accident, flood, how many owners, etc. Here is another tip, if you are buying from a dealer and they sell or service the same make vehicle new, they can usually provide a service history report. This is a great source, read these reports carefully, they may indicate problems on the vehicle and even recurring problems that you would not want to inherit, and get an explanation if you don't understand the technical terms.
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Step 4
When you have actually narrowed your choices and have found a vehicle of interest, and it has good reports. You need to drive the vehicle. No, I don't mean drive it around the block for a 5 minute test drive. Take it for a good drive then switch from being the driver to being a passenger. Save the talking for when you have finished your driving, and turn the music off. You would be surprised how much you hear and feel when there are no distractions.
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Step 5
Most everyone forgets price is only starting point. Getting the best price does not always mean you got the best deal. Remember these sources are just guides and they are not foolproof.
