Not everyone can afford to buy a brand new car. There are plenty of reliable, dependable, good used cars available for purchase, the trick is finding them and making sure you get a good deal.
Finding a reputable dealer can be tricky. It is best to use a dealer a friend or family member has used successfully. The lucky thing is, most dealerships that have a history of unscrupulous business practices usually are well known to people in the local area. Consumers can also check the Better Business Bureau to be sure there are not many claims filed against the dealer.
It is best to know do the research and know the value of the vehicle that is being considered. Mileage, interior conditon, options and body condition all make a difference in the base value. Check sources such as Kelley Blue Book Value or Consumer Reports Used Car Prices.
Shop around and compare prices at several dealerships. Each dealership might not have the exact same car you are looking at, but many will have similar models which allow consumers to see who is offering the best deal. Be sure to compare financing as well. Different dealerships offer different financing options and interest rates. The cheaper model may not be the way to go if the interest rate the loan will be at is considerably higher.
Consult Car Fax which is an online service that can provide consumers valuable information such as if the car has had body works, been in an accident etc.
Stay away from high pressure sales tactics. It is perfectly acceptable to haggle and not make a decision that day. If you are not 100% sure, go home and do more research.