NAVIGATION

	Introduction
	Step 1: Starting out.
	Step 2: Locating the right used car.
	Step 3: Used car bargains.
	Step 4: Research your prospective used car.
	Step 5: How much can you afford?
	Step 6: Set up financing for your used car.
	Step 7: Used car markets.
	Step 8: Test driving a used car.
	Step 9: Negotiating for a used car.
	Step 10: Closing the deal.
	Checklist

PHOTOS

(Enlarge photo)
Buying a used car means you can afford a model with more luxury and performance. Also, you will avoid the 20 to 30 percent depreciation suffered by new car buyers. (Photo by Scott Jacobs)

Buying Articles

10 Steps to Buying a New Car
10 Steps to Buying a Used Car
10 Steps to Finding the Right Car for You
Confessions of a Car Salesman
How to Get a Used Car Bargain

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Buying Tips

10 Steps to Buying a Used Car

Step 1: Starting out.
By Philip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice Editor
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If you've decided to buy a used car, you've already made a smart decision. You can get a car that's almost as good as a brand-new one, without suffering the depreciation that wallops new car buyers as soon as they drive the car off the lot. Used cars — even those that are only one year old — are 20 to 30 percent cheaper than new cars. But there are other good reasons to buy a used car:

Buying a used car means you can afford a model with more luxury/performance.

You'll save money on insurance.

The glut of cars coming off lease makes finding a near-new vehicle, or "cream puff," easy.

Bigger bargains are possible for the smart used car shopper.

Furthermore, the classic reasons to avoid used cars — lack of reliability and the expense of repairs — are less of an issue. Consider these related thoughts:

Used cars are more reliable today than ever before.
Some used cars are still under the factory warranty.
Most new carmakers now sell certified used cars, which include warranties.
The history of a used car can easily be traced using the VIN number.
Financing rates for used cars have dropped in recent years.
If you buy from a private party, the negotiation process is less stressful.

True, you can't be the first one on the block with the trendiest vehicle. But your consolation will come with the knowledge that you got a great deal and made a smart financial decision. So read on, as we guide you along the road to used car happiness.

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More Buying Articles

10 Steps to Buying a New Car
The following steps will tell you how to locate, price and negotiate to buy the car you want.

10 Steps to Buying a Used Car
The following steps will tell you how to locate, price and negotiate to buy the used car you want.

10 Steps to Finding the Right Car for You
The following steps are devoted to helping you select, price, locate and test drive the vehicle that is best for you.

Confessions of a Car Salesman
What happens when a veteran automotive writer goes undercover as a car salesman? We sent our own Chandler Phillips to work at two Southern California dealerships and he came back to tell about it.

How to Get a Used Car Bargain Part One
In the second part of this series, we'll discuss Steps 3 and 4: how to locate your target cars and how to test drive and evaluate them.


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