| Most people are trying to save money when they buy | | | | each category. See which cars they have |
| a used car. Used cars are cheaper to buy, insure, | | | | recommended in past years and review them. Kelley |
| register and pay tax on. A key reason for many | | | | Blue Book ( and provide information on the fair market |
| people is the first year depreciation of a new car. A | | | | value, technical specifications and reviews of used |
| new car can depreciate as much as 30% in the first | | | | cars, trucks and SUV's. |
| year. | | | | Once you start looking at used cars make sure you |
| Used cars are popular choices for parents buying a | | | | find out if the car has ever been in an accident and it's |
| car for their kid. They want something safe and reliable | | | | great if the seller has repair records and the |
| but aren't as particular about how it looks so that dings | | | | maintenance history. If you are buying from a used car |
| and dents aren't that important. They mainly want to | | | | dealer ask if there is a warranty. |
| avoid buying a used car that will need major repairs. | | | | Do a good inspection of the car, the exterior, interior |
| A good place to start is to come up with a list of cars | | | | and the engine. Is the engine clean? Are the fluid levels |
| you are most interested in. Cars like the Toyota | | | | good? Do you see signs of any leaks underneath the |
| Camry which are considered very reliable and have a | | | | vehicle? Make sure you test drive the car, the longer |
| long history of lasting for years can be a good choice. | | | | the better. Leave the radio off so you can hear any |
| This list will naturally depend on what type of car you | | | | strange noises. Notice how the car takes bumps, how |
| need. If you live in a snow belt you may want to get a | | | | many rattles you hear and engine noises. Check |
| 4 wheel drive vehicle or at least a front wheel drive | | | | underneath particularly the exhaust system. |
| vehicle which handles well in the snow. You may need | | | | When you find the used car you want and have |
| a pickup to haul things around. Once you know what | | | | agreed on a price with a used car dealer make sure |
| type of vehicle you need make a list of the models | | | | you read the fine print of anything you sign. Once you |
| you want to look for. | | | | sign it is a done deal. A lot of people dread dealing with |
| The internet has lots of resources you can use to build | | | | used car dealers but if you do your homework, inspect |
| your list and to check on the fair market value and | | | | and test drive the car you will avoid most of the pitfalls. |
| technical specifications of the cars you are interested | | | | Also, dealing with a reputable used car dealer you can |
| in. Review the lists of the most reliable cars over time. | | | | trust can make the process enjoyable. |
| Car and Driver has an annual list of the top five cars in | | | | |