by Ella Driscoll

Created on: March 25, 2009   Last Updated: March 27, 2009

HOW TO BUY A QUALITY USED CAR

This may sound like an oxymoron, but start at the beginning. Answer these questions: How much money are you willing or can afford to spend? What type of car are you looking for? A coupe, sedan, van, or possibly, a truck. Start looking in the newspaper ads for used cars. You will get and idea of what you may have to pay for the car you' re looking for. Notice that the prices offered by a dealer will be more than a single ad. Call the dealer or person to get an idea of the mileage and general condition of the vehicle. Try Craig's List for other options. You might try car rental companies and get an idea of what they charge, plus any warranties they offer.

Can you pay cash? If so, you may get a great deal from a person who needs to sell in a hurry.

If you need a loan, check this out before you begin. Try credit unions or banks, and compare the rates they charge.

When you are ready to buy, check out a few cars, and don't take the first one you see. You need to try several, comparing price, mileage, and condition and upkeep papers from the owners.

Don't get discouraged, as patience will reward you with a better choice than one you select in a hurry. Are you set on a certain color or are you willing to choose a color you aren't crazy about in exchange for a better car? How about a two door instead of a four door sedan? Searching locally will save time and give you the opportunity of test driving the vehicle. Now comes the icing on the cake. When you are narrowed your search to one car, ask the owner if you may take it to your trusted mechanic or Automobile Association to have the car looked at by a professional. If the owner doesn't want that, perhaps you have been saved from buying a lemon. If he or she agrees, you may pay $90.00 or so for the checkup, but it is well worth the money. You can rest assured you have now purchased a quality car that will give you years of service.

Congratulations. You have done your homework, been careful selecting your car, and now you can pat yourself on the back and rest assured that you have selected the right car at the right price, and with the right mileage, and a vehicle in good condition that will serve you well .

You didn't fall into the mistake of letting the used car dealer push a lemon off on you, or let the private owner sell you something that you will regret for a long time, and cost you expensive repairs.

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