Buying a used car tips. Get a thorough inspection—Have a mechanic inspect the car. Pay for this service, money you invest up front may save you dollars down the road. Ask for a written estimate of the costs to repair any problems the mechanic finds, and use that estimate as a bargaining chip when you make your offer for the car.
Have an auto diagnostic test done. Use National Automotive Dealers Association (NADA) Official Used Car Guide, monthly Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com), or Edmund's (www.edmunds.com) to estimate a car's resale value.
Test Drive—Drive on a variety of roads from city streets, to freeways, two-lane highways, and rough paved and unpaved surfaces. Does the car accelerate and decelerate well? Watch for unusual vibrations, noises or odors
. Take your time to read and understand the entire written agreement. Ask questions. Don’t sign unless you are satisfied with the answers. Be sure that all blank spaces are filled in, that all of the salesperson's verbal promises are included, and that the type of warranty that comes with the car is spelled out.