1. Know the car’s value. When you visit your local dealer, find some used cars that interest you. Then go home and do some research on those makes and models. Find out how much those cars are going for at other dealers and in private sales. If the price for the same car at your local dealer isn’t close to the average price, find out why it is more expensive or much cheaper.
2. Get a history report. One of the best things you can do for peace of mind when buying a used car is to get a vehicle history report. Websites like CarFax.com specialize in this. The report will tell you how many owners the car has had and if it’s been in any accidents. It will also give you a history of its maintenance. With a vehicle history report, you know more about what you are getting into when buying a particular used car. Some dealers may even offer this as a service.

Buying a used car can be a great experience. Just utilize these two tips and you’ll feel better before and after your purchase.

A vehicle history report will tell you if a vehicle has been in a major accident that’s been reported through an insurance company. It will tell you if a vehicle has previously been totalled. It will even tell you if the vehicle is reported as having been in a flood.

Now, a vehicle history report has some limitations. If it was never reported, for example, that the vehicle was damaged, you won’t know that it happened. In addition, A car could have been in an accident that caused major damage that wasn’t necessarily visible to the previous owner, such as a bent axle.

A vehicle history report should supplement, not replace, an inspection and test drive. You still need to thoroughly look over the car, and to take it out and see how it drives on the road. Once you have done so, take a look at the history report to add an extra sense of security.