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Step 1
Explore all of your options buy checking local magazines, newspapers and websites for other cars of the same make and model. Websites including autobytel, autotrader, and ebay have become popular sites for car shopping. Often, you can find your best deals from local sellers who just want to get a fair price for their used automobile. Do your research carefully, so you can get the most for your money.
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Step 2
Check Kelly Blue Book for the trade in and retail values of the car you are planning to purchase. This quote can also be used when negotiating a fair deal for the auto you are interested in. Realize that used car dealers will jack up the price of the car because they have typically run a whole series of checks on the car and have made any simple repairs.
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Step 3
Maximize your opportunity for a fair deal by taking the car to your local mechanic for a quick check before purchasing it. Your local mechanic will probably only charge you a few bucks (if anything at all) to look the vehicle over. In addition, you can always run a carfax, using the internet, on the automobile to check for any damages and insurance claims.
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Step 4
Take a test drive to check for any problematic areas. Test all of the lights, blinkers, horn, door locks, windows, trunk, radio, air conditioning, heat, and brakes to make sure that everything is working on the surface level. You can also do a good look at the body of the car and inspect it closely for dents, rust, or repaired body damage.
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Step 5
Ask for any previous repair and maintenance records…there may not be any but it doesn’t hurt to ask. You can often tell how many owners the car has had by looking at past maintenance records. When in doubt, trust your gut instinct if you have flags or reservations about the car. Always make sure that there is a clean title on the vehicle.
