Buying a "new" used car can be a real hassle!

Unless you know what you are doing.

It seems like car salesmen will do anything to get you into one of their cars.

There are tons of tricks and traps out there and you don't want to get suckered in!

The first rule in buying a used car is to shop around.

Don't buy a car from the first place you find. Take a drive down the street, you may find the same, or close, vehicle for a better price.

Shop online and in person. Also check local newspapers and magazines.

I told you that the first rule is to shop around, I also said that salesman will do almost anything to get you into a car, so now go back to where you were first interested in a vehicle.

Why would you go back? To get a better deal!

If you found a vehicle that you liked go back and tell them you found it elsewhere for less, wether you did or not. Now see if they tell you to hit the road. I don't think so.

"Oh, well let me see what I can do." This is probably close to what you will hear.

You have to make them think you have other options, even if you don't.

Don't ever seem anxious or desperate.

So the salesman told you he/she can give you a better price on the vehicle you've chosen, and you have shopped around and it is a good deal. What now?

....Walk away!

Say; "ok, thank you very much" and leave.

Come back the next day or better yet the next week and see what they are willing to do now. Tell them the price you were told already and tell them you want to get it lower.

You have to negotiate the terms, wether it's cash or financing, you want the best deal you can possibly get.

Now you know how to find and get a good deal, so how do you go about finding a good car?

Obviously check the car for any damage.

Test drive the car to make sure it runs good.

Ask the salesman for a carfax report. That should tell you any accidents the car has been in. Most dealerships will provide a carfax report, if they don't there is a good chance the car was wrecked.

If the dealership won't provide a carfax report you can get on yourself, go to www.carfax.com! It does cost money, but it will help you find a good car.

Check to make sure the car has a good, strong engine.

When starting the car it should start right up and should sound strong with no banging noises.

Once the engine is running listen for any bad noises; clicking, banging, putting, etc.

If anything seems wrong you should probably pass on the car, or ask the dealership to fix it, but know that small problems often lead to big ones.

Also be sure to check that the engine does not overheat when you test drive the vehicle. The car should have a temperature gauge in it.

Many used dealerships get their cars from car auctions that don't usually have the best cars. After checking the outside and the engine make sure that all of the interior is intact and installed properly.

I have seem many used cars that had the interior of the car literary taped or glued in just so it looks good and in a week or so it falls off.

Check the interior carefully, you don't want any surprises later.

A common thing that people forget about is the tires.

Check to make sure the tires match and have good tread.

Many used dealerships will throw mismatched or low-tread tires to save money.

New tires are not something you want to have to invest in a month after buying your car!

Make sure all the gauges in the car work.

If a gauge is not working ask the dealership to fix it, or have them take it off the cost of the vehicle.

Take a pen and paper with you when you shop for a car.

Write down ANY prices, terms, etc. that you discuss with the salesman that way they can't conveniently "forget" or make you forget.

Also write down any flaws with the vehicle and arrange for them to be fixed or take the cost off of the price of the car.

All of these tips should help you get a good deal on a "new to you" car.

Remember what you've learned, and check back here often as I will ad any new tips that I may have left out.

Good luck on your search!