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How to Buy a Used Car Without Getting Burned

Buying a car6 tips

A used car can be a great deal or a money pit, and the difference is usually one hour of checking before you pay. Never skip the inspection.

6 tips

Always get a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic, not the seller's shop. It costs about 100 to 200 dollars and can save you thousands.
Check the title: it should be clean, in the seller's name, with no salvage or rebuilt brand. A salvage title means the car was totaled once.
Run the VIN through a history report and a free recall check. The VIN tells you the car's real year, model, engine, and whether it has open recalls.
Look for rust under the car, in the wheel wells, and under the carpets. Surface rust on a bolt is normal; bubbling paint or holes in the floor are not.
Test drive it cold, on the highway, and in a parking lot. Listen for knocks, check that it shifts smoothly, and make sure the brakes stop straight without shaking.
Check that every button, light, and the air conditioning work. Electrical fixes are expensive, and a dead A/C can cost over 1,000 dollars.

Not repair advice. If you are not sure what is wrong, have it checked by a qualified technician.