First off, when you buy a new car you are the only owner of the car. This means you know where the car has been and you know it is in tip top condition. You also get a warranty on the car. But when you buy a used car, you have no idea where the car has been or what on earth has happened to it. The car could've been in a terrible accident for all you know. Also, when you buy a used car, you probably won't get a warranty... unless if you buy a used car at a reputable dealership.

It is safer to buy a used car from a dealership, not from a newspaper ad. You also need to make sure you buy a used car from a reputable dealership. Some used car dealers are just plain sleezeballs. To be even safer, make sure when you buy a used car that the vehicle is Carfax certified. If the dealer won't provide you with this information, then there is probably a problem with the vehicle in question. Carfax is a free service that provides you information on a cars damage history, if any. You can check the Carfax report online for free, you just need the vehicles VIN number (vehicle identification number). Also, if you buy a used car "as is" you may be stuck with a lemon. Try to get a warranty on the vehicle you purchase as an added safety net.

The next tip before you buy a used car is to get your credit checked. If you are going to finance the vehicle, you better hope you don't have any blemishes on your credit report. Used car dealers make more money when you finance a car. When you buy a used car, you want to be sure you get the best APR (annual percentage rate) available. If it is too high, then try getting your loan from a bank. They may provide you with a better rate so you may then buy a used car.

Hopefully, when you go to buy a used car you will have a pleasant experience. Not all used cars are bad and not all car dealers are sleezeballs. Alas, an awful lot of them are so be careful. With some street smarts and a little bit of patience, you can end up with an excellent used car that will last you many years.