Give me your best tips/advice for buying a used car.

**Kimberlina** · 08-10-2005, 02:31 PM

Bring 'em on.

I know we should take the car to a mechanic first, but other than that, what do you recommend? I haven't bought a used car since I was 18, and my parents helped me then.

**forestdale** · 08-10-2005, 03:08 PM

Kimber, do some research on what cars are good to buy as used cars and what is a reasonable market value.
Check the history of the car and don't buy any car that's been in an accident.
Here we have a place where we can check the financial history. Make sure the car being sold is actually owned by the seller.

Here is a site that has some good tips.
http://www.roadandtravel.com/buyinga.../checklist.htm

GOOD LUCK!

**jlxian** · 08-10-2005, 03:41 PM

I went to equifax.com to see if they had anything and this was a link I found there. It has advice on buying "new or used" cars

https://www.econsumer.equifax.com/co...elearning_car2

Its not a lot of information, but its a start for you. I actually thought that equifax.com had ways to evaluate cars and their history. Guess I dreamed it!

**Dedlered** · 08-10-2005, 03:45 PM

Jean,
I think you were thinking of carfax.com

**Mamaw** · 08-10-2005, 04:12 PM

Research the make, model and brand. Check the blue book value.
And just as in any other purchase, dont be afraid to walk away if the owner will not cooperate or negotiate with you.

**PrairieRose** · 08-10-2005, 07:09 PM

Kimberlina, I would highly recommend looking at older (say 4 yrs. +) upper end luxury cars. We bought a 6 yr. old Lincoln Towncar (I know that might not be appropriate for what you need with kids) with only 10,244 miles on it for $13,000. It's like brand new and would have sold for about $46,000 with the sticker on the window. You can find gently used cars in all price ranges but the higher end cars are usually taken care of more meticulously. Good luck on your hunt.

**jlxian** · 08-11-2005, 12:30 PM

Originally posted by Dedlered
Jean,
I think you were thinking of carfax.com

THANK YOU! You are so right!

**Michele Annette** · 08-11-2005, 01:18 PM

Kimberly,

Use the NADA guides for used cars. This the book value that all the DMV's, body shops and car dealers use for car values.

http://www2.nadaguides.com/autohome2...wPr=0&wPg=2111

The blue book values are okay, but you want to be sure you are looking at similar car values when you go to register your car.

We have bought and sold almost 30 used cars since we have been married in the past ten years.

Not only bring it to a reliable mechanic, but look underneath the car yourself for rust. Be sure the car is completely rust free. If the add says so, check yourself. Open the trunk and doors and look in the wells where rust can hide. It works through fast if you live in a northern climate. Good luck Kim, don't get scared! You can do it!