Here are your action steps

Step 1
When you find the car you want to buy, look it up in the Kelley blue book to see the value of the car. Do not let any dealer fast talk you into buying a car. You can also check CarFax to find out if the vehicle has been in an accident (they are not always up to date).

Step 2
Find a mechanic or a friend who knows something about cars

Step 3
Start up the car and let it run listen for unusual sounds, squeaking, banging, which might suggest a problem with the engine, timing belt, muffler, etc. Shut the car off and start it up again, do this about 3 times (to check that the starter is still good-a new starter with installation can cost at least $400 in some states).

Step 4
Check directionals, break lights, door locks, mirrors, seatbelts, radio, cd player, heat, AC, make sure the seat can adjust, adjust the side mirrors and rear view mirror

Step 5
Check for rust on bottom of the car, which will suggest water damage. (Which should concern you)

Step 6
Close the car doors and make sure the doors are lined up perfectly, if they are not then this may suggest that the car was in an accident (which should concern you). Make sure the car paint is one color, if the color changes that might also mean the car have been in an accident and the mechanic replaced the body panel. The car maybe two cars welded together.

Step 7
Don’t buy a car with any window damage, to fix a wind shield it could cost up to $2,000 dollars in some states, even if it is the smaller back window, replacing it can be very expensive.

Step 8
Open the hood of the car and check the oil. If the oil is too black then an oil change may be needed however, there can be a more serious problem (which should concern you).

Step 9
Turn on all the car lights, honk the horn, turn on the window wipers to make sure everything is working

Step 10
Check under the car to make sure there aren’t any fluids

Step 11
Check the trunk of the car for the spare tire and car jack. Make sure that the spare tire and car jack are secure in the trunk of the car

Step 12
Take the car for a test drive and make right and left turns. Drive the speed limit but accelerate the car and stop suddenly at the stop sign to test the brakes.

Step 13
If you will be using the car on the highway, find the closest highway and drive for one exit.

Step 14
Check to see how quickly the car warms up; check the odometer to make sure it is working- go to CarFax for a free odometer accuracy test, to ensure no one tampered with the odometer.

Step 15
If you are near a gas station put a little gas in the car to see if the gauge is working

Step 16
Check the car title to see if the person selling the car is the one on the title, if you are not buying from a dealer. (If the name is different, you might be buying a stolen car)

Step 17
Try to pay with a check in case your car breaks down right away, then you can stop the check

Step 18
If you decide to buy the car offer an extra 100 dollars cash for 6 months warranty. If the seller takes the extra cash, make sure he/she does not put “as is” anywhere on your receipt. According to the lemon law when “as is” is written on your receipt, you will not get your money back.

Step 19
Never offer the asking price, always have three prices in mind, the price the seller is asking, the most you want to pay and what you would like to pay. Start with what you would like to pay and let the seller negotiate a greater price (make sure you remind the seller of anything that you found wrong with the car to help the seller lower the price).

If you don’t find anything wrong with the car, still offer less money than what the seller is asking because you always pay less when the other person has to negotiate up. Make sure you are not paying more than what the car is worth (Kelley blue book will let you know what the car is worth)

Step 20
If the car has a high mileage, skip buying the car

Step 21
If the car is too old, skip buying that car because even if it runs well, you may not be able to find parts

Step 22
Don’t appear too anxious because the seller might drive up the price

Step 23
Don’t forget to take your plates, if the seller still have them