A smart decision, I must say. But are you sure you aren't spending money on buying a headache of somebody else? I hope not. Nevertheless, a car used before, almost as good as a spic-and-span one, is not as difficult to find as is posed. You need not pay for the depreciation, nor do you have to pay for auto insurance (in most cases). Some sagacity, and you are offered a fantastic deal on the used car's transportation requirements. It might just astonish you to know that even cars that are hardly a year old are cheaper by one-fourth the actual price of a new car! Gone are the days when used automobiles were a headache. In fact, some used cars are much, much more reliable today than they earlier were. All you need to find out is the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and you know the entire history of the used car. Okay, another benefit of buying a second-hand car is that, if at all you buy one from a private party, chances are, you could get the car at an unbelievably cheaper price. Indeed, benefits are countless, but then, what to look for when purchasing a used car? How to go about it? I think, the following cluster of words comprise some essential pointers. Take a look. Then take a drive. Guidelines Regardless of what your budget is, you cannot do a decent purchase without some homework. First things first, settle on which type of car do you prefer. A pick up? Or just a 5-seater? A cruiser? Or a luxury car? Your preference may depend on the fuel economy factor. Hence, you should go for a car that is not only good-looking, but is also smooth on the road, and benevolent to mother Nature. Did you set your budget, anyway? No matter how beautiful a car you find, not buying it just because you're short of enough money, can leave you heartbroken. In case of bad credit, used car loans are an answer. Banks, today, offer amazing interest rates for used cars, to put your finances at ease. Yes, you should be aware of the fact that buying a used car could be a sort of a gamble, as you aren't really sure about the mileage, engine issues, and maintenance. With an open mind, you need to figure out the hidden problems within the used car, which are otherwise, not obvious at all. Even though car dealers have a variety to proffer, in my view, the best person to buy a used car is the owner of the car. He might straightaway tell you the pros and cons of the car, even about transmission problems that the car is facing, without involving an intermediate party. Sometimes, complications arise with a third party intervening in a deal. So, in order to search for private owners, the best place is the Internet. Do as much research as you can, and when you find one, do not forget to check the VIN. This number is capable of telling the entire history of the car, and chances are, many car owners would not even register themselves on the web, as a result of serious damage to the car, sometime in the past. No doubt, you will pick up a car that looks good, without dents and scars. However, that doesn't mean you don't need to look for scars at all. Scrutinize every bit of the automobile you're contemplating on buying. A test drive would be the best idea. If you're buying a used car for the first time, take someone along with you; a person who is well cognizant of the bits and nuances of buying a car. There are a plethora of questions to ask in case of car purchase from strangers. Thus, it's your friend who will be able to answer it all. He will guide you about the steering problems, engine issues, gadgets, and tires. If there are a few problems that crop up, do not refrain from asking the dealer or the owner, whoever you're buying the car from, to get it repaired. Give him some time, if required. Not to forget the paperwork, that makes your car purchasing a legitimate activity. It's better to have no deal at all, than do an illegal deal. Check whether the car is certified or not. Responsibilities such as warranty policy, fine print, transfer of ownership, billing details, car insurance, and registration, shall not be ignored, come what may. In fact, you could make a check-list of items present, and items you require for the car. This would make it extremely easy for you to buy a car that is all-inclusive. When all is said and done, it's time for you to legally take possession of the used car. A car that is less expensive, offers amazing mileage, and most importantly, a head-turner, is, I think, the best deal. It's not what I claim, but what the world-wide user car ratings and reviews have to say. The points discussed above can just give you a nudge in the right direction. It's your sagacity and decision on how to go about a deal lucrative enough.