How to buy a used car? Things to look for?

[Razorfist]

Hi, I'm 20 years old and looking to buy a car (used) for the first time.

Does anyone have any general advice on what to look for or avoid?

In particular I am looking at buying any of these models:

Hyundai Tiburon
Chevrolet Cobalt
Pontiac G5/G6
Saturn Ion
Mazda 6
Mitsubishi Eclipse
Nissan Altima

I know there are many factors involved.

There is:

Price
Performance
Fuel efficiency
Aesthetics

There is also the used car dealer I will have to talk to. People can be bad, they can try to sell you broken things as unbroken. They lie and deceive.

Does anyone have any tips on how/where I can start to look for one of these cars to buy?

I am canadian in Toronto, looking for around a $5000 price range.

Should I use the internet, try to find a used car lot?

How do I buy a used car?

Are there things I need? Do I buy a deed to the car? Insurance? I am completely unknowing. Please educate me in the ways of the car.

[98BlackTransAm]

if you're seriously considering one of the cars, then see if you can take it to a mechanic and let them look it over and see if there are any hidden problems. don't go with a mechanic that the dealer reccomends, becuase obviously it'll probably be a friend/relative of the dealer and not care if the he sells you a shit car.

realiability is also a pretty big factor. there are cars that are cheap and get good fuel economy, but if a different part breaks on it every 2 weeks then it's not worth it in the long run.

[Hungrycat7]

I agree with taking a mechanic. You can even talk most used car lots to allowing you to take it to your own mechanic before you buy! Don't let anyone talk you into something you don't really want. The salesman knows what he wants to get rid of but that may not be what you want. Just be pretty sure of the features you need when you go out and don't be talked into something that you don't need.

[Froggman]

Have you'r money avaible to you before going to a dealer. The internet is a very good tool to research the car you want and check the pricing. Use the KBB site, Edmunds site for used car values in you'r area. Once you have decided on a car you want then take it to you'r mechanic for his opinon.

froggman

[vishwa]

However, buying a used car is still a bit of a gamble there is no guarantee that the car is accident-free, has real mileage, and was properly maintained. There may be some hidden problems like a worn out automatic transmission, or engine problems that may not have been obvious when you test-drove the car. So, next you must ask yourself: Will I save money when buying a used car? How do I eliminate the risk of potential problems and is this actually possible to do? Read on to find out more information.


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vishwa....

New Cars

['97ventureowner]

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