Firstly, when looking to buy used cars, I suggest that you get an idea of what you want. I once asked a car mechanic what he will suggest, and he said that Honda Civics and Toyota Carollas are what he recommends. Everyone has his or her different idea what they like for a good used car. So you must decide what type of car you want. Narrow it down to at least four types.



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 highest amount you can spend, and as clear an idea as possible of what kind of used car you want, and what the blue book values are, it is time to begin your search. I suggest you look in online bulletin boards such as craigslist.org or 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 is suggested you go to a mechanic to get the car inspected. Do not underestimate the importance of this step. Yes, it is inconvenient, but you do not want to end up with a lemon!

What many people do not 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 could not hurt. They may have a special offer, where the cost of your initial car inspection ends up going towards the car fixing. In short, wheel and deal with you mechanic. You have nothing to lose.

If you do not take the step of going to a mechanic, then your seller must have accurate records of all labor and parts. It is highly important that they changed the timing belt for instance within the last 40,000 miles.

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

One of the best tips to find a used car is to locate retired couples or elderly folks who are selling their car. If they are selling because the want to, not because they need to, congratulations, you have found your used car!