Take the Car for a Test Drive

It's important that you make sure the car runs smoothly and has no obvious problems that may soon require repair. It's also important to feel comfortable driving the vehicle. In many cases, an extended warranty is available for purchase. This can be a valuable asset incase your car needs a repair that is covered under the warranty.

Insurance Cost

Check with your insurance company or agent before deciding on a car. If insurance cost is an important deciding factor, you should know that SUVs will likely be more expensive than a car. A used vehicle will carry more affordable insurance than a new one of the same make and model.

Vehicle History vs. Price

Request a CarFax or similar report. This information is available for a small fee and includes invaluable information about the car's history, such as whether or not it has been flooded or if it has ever been involved in an accident. In addition, the number of previous owners and whether or not the title is clean can be determined in this manner.

Vehicle Value vs. Dealer Pricing

Use Kelly Blue Book or (KBB) to find out how much a car is worth. KBB is one of the most trusted sources when it comes to providing new or used car values. You can enter specific data into the website and car shoppers can learn what that particular automobile should be sold for. This can help empower the buyer when it's time to negotiate.

Vehicle Inspection

Look for any holes, cigarette burns, tears or loose knobs or anything of that nature on the interior. Many used vehicles are in such great shape that you would never know they had a previous owner, but you will want to go over the interior very carefully just to be sure that you don't miss anything. The lower the mileage, the better. This should mean that the car has a longer life and hasn't been used excessively. Don't be afraid to ask the seller if you can have their permission to take the car to your mechanic, who can inspect it for any underlying problems.

Consider Fuel Efficiency

A typical SUV will generally consume more gasoline than a smaller car, which is important if gas prices are a major deciding factor in your purchase.

Consider Your Current and Long Term Transportation Needs

Make sure the car you want, isn't a car you regret buying later. If you have children and/or a large family, a van or SUV would possibly be a better choice than a smaller sports car. The more room you need, the more spacious of a vehicle you should look for. A single person, or married couple, may be more than comfortable in a standard or compact car.

Budget, Finance and Lease Options

Don't get locked into a car that you can't afford. Do your homework, before going into a dealership and know exactly how much you can afford to spend, what kind of down payment you can make and whether you will finance or lease. This is a common problem that can adversely affect a person's credit history so do your research and decide on a budget before taking a car for a test drive.