If you’re going to get the most for your money, you need to know what kind of car you hope to buy before you ever set foot on a used car lot. The more time and effort you put into deciding on a car ahead of time, the more likely you are to be happy with your used car purchase.
Choosing the right make and model
Spend some time reading consumer magazines that test the reliability of used cars. Consumer Reports is a reliable publication, but there are a number of other publications that you can trust, as well. Pick a make and model you’re interested in, and read up on how it compares to other makes and models in its class.
Think about mileage and warranties
Before you buy a used car, you should have some idea about how many miles you’re going to put on that car in a given year. If you’re going to put 20,000 miles or more on a vehicle in a year, you want to buy a used car that has fewer miles on it. If possible, try to buy a used car that is still within its factory warranty period, or consider purchasing an extended warranty when you buy the used car.
Get the right car for your actual uses
If you are going to use the car for family driving, you probably want dual airbags. If you’re using the car for a commute, having that passenger airbag isn’t nearly as important. Understand what you’ll be using the car for, and choose a car that specifically meets that purpose.