Many Dos Pueblos students, including myself, drive used cars. Buying a used car can be a rewarding experience when approached with thorough research and careful consideration. If you don’t do these things you may end up having to spend more time and money than expected. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to replace your current vehicle, this step-by-step guide will help you navigate the process and make an informed decision.

1. Set Your Budget:
Before diving into the world of used cars, it’s important to establish a clear budget. Consider not only the price of the car itself, but also additional costs such as taxes, registration, insurance, and potential repairs. It’s better to avoid cars that require a lot of time, love, and care unless you have a lot of available time and money, as repairs will increase the amount of time and money you need to spend.

2. Research the Market:
Online resources, such as Kelley Blue Book, and online reviews can provide valuable insights into factors like fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, and overall reliability. Explore makes and models that fit your needs and budget.

3. Locate Used Cars for Sale:
In order to locate used cars, use online websites and dealerships such as OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace, and Ebay to find potential candidates. Certain websites allow you to filter the results based on your preferences, making the search more efficient. Avoid buying from private sellers who attempt to limit information or have no profile history, as oftentimes these sellers will attempt to scam you.

4. Contact Sellers:
Reach out to sellers to gather essential information such as the car’s maintenance history, any issues it may have, and the reason for selling. If someone is selling their vehicle due to its unreliability, you should avoid purchasing it. Schedule a visit to inspect the vehicle in person. Pay close attention to the seller’s body language and behavior. If any sellers are hesitant to give you information about the vehicle, it’s likely they are hiding an issue with the car.

5. Inspection:
A basic visual inspection of the car is a great way to have a general overview of the car’s damage.
During your inspection, run your fingers along the car’s body panels, feeling for dents, scratches, or irregularities. This can provide you with negotiation leverage. Use any imperfections you find as points for discussing a fair price.

A thorough examination of the interior is crucial. Inspect the condition of the seats, dashboard, and functionality of features like air conditioning, stereo, and power windows. Signs of excessive wear or malfunction could be indicators of poor maintenance. Be aware of what the lights on the dashboard could mean and use them as leverage points.

A trick to check for oil and other leaks is to place a piece of cardboard under the engine bay throughout the process of negotiation and inspection. Afterwards, inspect the cardboard for stains. A clean surface suggests a well-maintained vehicle, while spots may indicate potential issues.

8. Test Drive:
A test drive is one of the most critical steps in the buying process. Pay attention to the engine’s performance, transmission shifts, and the overall driving experience. Listen for unusual sounds, and evaluate the brakes and steering. A test drive can reveal issues that may not have been apparent during your first inspection.

9. VIN (Vehicle Identification Number):
Request the VIN from the seller and obtain a vehicle history report through a site like Carfax or AutoCheck. Sites like these can provide valuable information about accidents, title issues, odometer readings, and more. This step is crucial for ensuring accuracy in the car’s history.

10. Salvage Title:
Avoid cars with salvage titles, which can be found under the previously mentioned websites. Salvage titles indicate that the vehicle has been significantly damaged, often to the point of being declared a total loss by an insurance company. Salvage title cars may have hidden issues and could be challenging to insure or resell.

11. Ownership Costs Analysis:
Evaluate the long-term ownership costs of the vehicle by researching the availability and cost of spare parts, as well as the average maintenance expenses for the specific make and model. Understanding these ongoing costs can influence your decision and prevent unexpected financial burdens down the road.

12. Negotiation Strategy:
Develop a negotiation strategy based on the information gathered during your inspections and research. Be prepared to negotiate the price with the owner, taking into account any issues you discovered during the inspection process. Having a clear strategy can help you secure a fair deal and avoid overpaying for the vehicle. After purchasing the vehicle, the owner will give you the pink slip and the title of the vehicle, which you will need to bring to the DMV in order to register the vehicle under your name.