Used Cars

How do you find good used cars, especially if you are not well versed in auto mechanics? Do you go to a used car lot? Look through the want ads? Explore by word of mouth? The Internet?

When looking to buy used cars, first, it is suggested you get an idea of what you want. I once asked a car mechanic what he suggested, and said that Honda Civics and Toyota Corollas are what he recommends. Ask ten people, and you will get ten different answers of course, but that's OK. In any case, You must decide what type of car you want. Narrow it down to at least four models.

Then, it is recommended you do a blue book search. Visit www.KBB.com and get a rough idea of what these cars are valued at. Get the values for a variety of years.

Armed with the hightest amount you can spend, and as clear of an idea as possible of what kind of used car you want, and what the blue book values are, it's time to begin your search. I suggest you look in online bulletin boards such as www.craigslist.org or www.autoweb.com.

When you go to check out the car, if you have a friend who knows a lot about cars who's willing to come too, that is of course ideal. Otherwise, it's suggested you go to a mechanic to get the car inspected. Don't underestimate the importance of this step. Yes, it's an inconvenience, but so is buying a lemon!

What many people don't know is that some mechanics will give you a deal on inspecting the used car you hope to buy, especially if you promise to take it to them if it needs work. Ask them about this. It couldn't hurt. They may have a special offer, where the cost of your initial car inspection ends up going towards any car repair. In short, wheel and deal with your mechanic. You have nothing to lose.

If you don't take the step of going to a mechanic, then your seller must have accurate records of all service, labor and parts. It's highly important that they've changed the timing belt for instance within the last 40,000 miles. Most cars, the recommended upper mileage limit for the timing belt is every 90,000 miles. So, unless you want a high repair bill, pay close attention to this matter.

The best advice I have is this: if you trust the people you are buying from, you are more likely to get good used cars throughout the years. I've bought several used cars and each one came from someone who kept accurate records.

The best way to find a used car is to find a retired couple or elderly person who is selling one. If they are selling because they want to, not because they need to, then I would say, you have found your new/used car!