Buying a Used Car

Don't buy a problem. Inspection, paperwork, and negotiation steps that save thousands.

Set Your Budget

• Total monthly cost (payment + insurance + fuel + maintenance) under 15-20% of take-home
• Get pre-approved for a loan from your bank or credit union before you shop
• Get insurance quotes for the models you're considering — costs vary wildly

Research the Model

• Check long-term reliability on Consumer Reports or repairpal.com
• Look up known issues for that year/model on owner forums
• Check fair price range on KBB and Edmunds

Find the Car

• Search private sellers (often 10-15% cheaper than dealers)
• On dealer ads, ignore advertised price until you see out-the-door quote
• Get the VIN and run a Carfax/AutoCheck before driving anywhere
• Walk away if seller won't give VIN — that's a red flag

Inspect Before Buying

• Test drive includes highway speed, full stops, sharp turns, AC and heat
• Check for warning lights, unusual sounds, smoke, vibration
• Pay $100-200 for an independent pre-purchase inspection — non-negotiable
• Verify title is clean (not salvage, rebuilt, or flood)
• Confirm seller's name on title matches their ID

Negotiate

• Negotiate out-the-door price, not monthly payment
• Use inspection findings as leverage for repairs or price drop
• Decline extended warranties, paint protection, gap insurance at point of sale — overpriced
• Be willing to walk — there's always another car

Close the Deal

• Get bill of sale signed by both parties
• Title signed over correctly (don't accept open titles)
• Pay with cashier's check or wire — never large cash
• Add to insurance before driving home
• Register at DMV within your state's window (usually 10-30 days)