| Though you can almost always save money on a | | | | Whether you're buying privately or through a used car |
| used car purchase, you need to be ready to search | | | | dealership, always ask to see the car's title search and |
| as a savvy consumer. Whether you're dealing with a | | | | even vehicle history report. You can obtain your own |
| private sale or a certified dealership, you should keep | | | | vehicle history report through a service like CARFAX |
| your eyes open for good deals and discipline yourself | | | | that will tell you the car's sale history, past odometer |
| to shy away from bad ones. If you're considering the | | | | readings, emission inspections, and major incidents. |
| purchase of a used car, keep reading to learn the | | | | If you're buying privately, ask the seller for copies of |
| basics of a wise search. | | | | the vehicle's maintenance receipts. While not all |
| Know the Car You Want | | | | owners will have full records, they should have some. |
| The used car market is huge, so having at least a | | | | Though such records certainly don't prove the vehicle |
| general idea of what you're looking for will really help | | | | is currently in good shape, they do provide a bit of |
| you narrow your search and allow you to get a clear | | | | additional evidence that the owner may have taken |
| idea of pricing. | | | | good care of it over the years. |
| Once you've chosen a make and a model, don't just | | | | Ask for an Inspection |
| sniff around at dealerships, but watch your local | | | | Unless you're buying a used car that comes with a |
| classifieds. Also, put the word out to friends and family | | | | manufacturer's warranty, always have a car inspected |
| that you're looking. You never know when a good deal | | | | by a third-party, certified mechanic. Getting their |
| can arise through a private sale. | | | | independent opinion on the car can help you make a |
| Find Your Price Point | | | | wise purchasing decision. |
| Once you have a few vehicle choices in mind, | | | | Always Test Drive |
| research their actual resale value. Using the Kelley Blue | | | | Unless the car isn't drivable or road-safe, it's critical that |
| Book (available at kbb.com), you can look up a car's | | | | you take it for a test drive. You'll get a feel for the car |
| standard sale price using its make, model, year, mileage | | | | and a much better awareness of any potential |
| and condition. | | | | problems. |
| While the Blue Book value isn't hard and fast, it offers | | | | So, if you're planning to buy a used car, remember to |
| a basic guideline that will help you recognize a good | | | | narrow your selection, have an idea of the Kelley Blue |
| deal and know when the price of another is just too | | | | Book value, obtain the appropriate paperwork, secure |
| high for what you'd be buying. | | | | an inspection and always take it for a test drive. |
| Before you Buy, Get the Papers | | | | |