| First of all, my main piece of advise when it comes | | | | deal or not. If the car you're interested in below blue |
| to buying a used car is that you need to be willing to | | | | book value then congratulations! |
| walk away. It is important to take your time when | | | | And if its way below blue book value - be wary! It |
| buying a car because its a big investment and you'll | | | | could be the seller is selling because he needs cash |
| be using it daily for a long time. | | | | fast or because he had it on the market for a while |
| If you need a car immediately for commuting then | | | | and needs to move it, but it could also be that the |
| consider renting one while you shop around - a few | | | | car has some problems that he is not being |
| extra weeks of car rental are better than a buying a | | | | completely honest about. |
| car that you need to bring to the shop every few | | | | As part of the research stage, make sure you ask |
| months because you didn't take the time to figure | | | | as many questions as possible - what's the mileage, |
| out if it was a good deal. | | | | has the car been in any accidents, ask for a copies |
| Before you start looking for a used car decide how | | | | of all maintenance done on the car, etc. Make sure |
| much money you realistically want to spend and | | | | you're blue in the face from asking questions before |
| what are the most important features you want in a | | | | you stop. If you're satisfied with the results of your |
| car (features may include fuel economy, audio | | | | research stage (i.e. you've found a car you like within |
| system, 4 wheel drive capability, etc.). After you do | | | | your budget and you've gotten answers to all of |
| this, then start looking for used cars through local | | | | your critical questions) then there is one last thing to |
| newspaper listings, online listings, and used car | | | | do. |
| dealerships. Once you have located several cars that | | | | You need to take the car to a mechanic that you, |
| are within your budget and meet all your most | | | | yourself trust (definitely do not take it to the |
| important requirements in a car then its time to do | | | | mechanic the seller recommends), so that he can |
| some research. | | | | give you a professional opinion of the state of the |
| You need to find out what the Kelley blue book | | | | car. Once you get the blessing of your trusted |
| value is for each car that you're interested in. This will | | | | mechanic, then you can go ahead an purchase your |
| give you an indication of whether you have a good | | | | car! |