by William Nichols

Created on: July 30, 2009

You need a top quality but cheap car that is reliable, however you don't want a lemon, where do you look?

Patience is needed when you are looking for a good cheap reliable used car. Please do not buy the 1st one you see! Look online thru sites like Vehix.com and craigslist for some ideas of cars to look at.

First lets talk about where to look. Auto dealers, private sellers, folks back yards all valid sources. Also do not overlook approaching an elderly neighbor that may be rarely driving that old Toyota, or other reliable car, and may be happy to sell it at a fair price.

Older owners are a good source to consider for a reliable used car formany reasons. These people often drive slowly, very slowly, and carefully. They do not drive their older cars very many miles. They usually have their used cars serviced on a regular basis in most cases.

The downside? Some older drivers will have a car that they have scrapped into more than one tight parking spot, these usually are just cosmetic dings and dents, not a concern. Also some older drivers may not have their car serviced on a regular basis, then again they rarely do jack rabbit starts!

Keep in mind that an older car from many reliable brands like Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai, Honda may be a better bet than a newer car from a mediocre brand.

Look under the hood and under the car when it is running. Look for obvious leaks that seem old or fresh. Check out the tires. When testing the car out take several bumpy roads to test struts, steering and the general tightness of the car. Look around the car for signs that it may have been in a major accident, like mismatched body panels, or bumpers that are twisted or hanging off the car. Listen to the exhaust for leaks. If you have a friend or co worker that is a mechanic ask them to take a look at a car for you if you are unsure about it.

Do not be afraid to make a low ball offer on any car that seems like a very good possibility. You can always negotiate to a price that is acceptable in a few easy tries. At car dealers if you shop the last 3 or 4 days of the month you may have a better chance of getting a great deal! Why salespeople have to meet quotas by the end of the month, they may be willing to cut a better deal than mid month!

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