If you are looking to buy a good used car, then the experience you will be envisaging will be exciting and well thought out at the same time. You are probably looking to buy a used car and this will be an exciting experience to have, you will probably want to look at purchasing a really good used car instead of purchasing an expensive one that might be a little out of your budget. There are many different reasons that you would want to buy a used car instead of a new car, and one of the main factors will no doubt be the price of such cars that are on the market. This price should not, however, impede on the reliability of the car, but should be included when looking for value in a car. As it would be quite foolish to get a cheap used cars, but only to find out that it is in the garage getting fixed more days than you are behind the wheel of it, and after all, you will want to get to work or college or to the supermarket in the morning by driving your car and not by walking.

Please read and practice this carefully :

• Examine the car's exterior thoroughly. Look for dents, rust and evidence that portions of the car have rusted out and been repaired with body putty.
• Check for excessive rusting of frame.
• Examine condition of muffler, tailpipe and exhaust pipe.
• Check for signs of fluid leakage from shock absorbers.
• Look for signs of oil or transmission fluid leakage under the car.
• Look under car for breaks in the frame and signs that frame has been welded.
• Look for signs of brake fluid leaking on the inside of tires.
• Examine condition of tires, including inside surfaces.
• Walk around the car and check the condition of window glass.
• Examine the condition of lenses of all lights - front, back and sides.
• Test all lights to make certain they are functioning - headlights, taillights, flashers, backup lights, brake lights, turn signals, etc.
• Push down on the corners of the car, front and back, to check the shock absorbers. If the car bounces up & down several times, the shocks are worn.
• Stand back and see if the car is level. If not, the springs may be weak.
• From a distance, look for evidence of an accident, dents, paint that doesn't match, ripples in the fenders, etc.
• Check the spare tire. If it is cupped or worn unevenly, something may be wrong with the front end and a front tire is being used as a spare.
• Make sure the car has a jack and that it is in good working condition.
• Lift the hood of the car and examine the condition of the belts and hoses.
• Check the battery to see if it is cracked.
• Pull out the oil dipstick to see how dirty the oil is.
• Check stickers (on doorposts or under hood) to see when the car had its last oil change and lubrication, and whether it was serviced regularly.
• Examine the upholstery, safety belts and carpeting.
• If the car has seat covers, look under them for wear, tears, dirt.
• Badly worn carpeting or upholstery may be a sign of heavy vehicle usage.
• Check the break pedal for free play.
• Check out the air conditioning to see if it is working.
• Turn on all the lights one at a time and check to see they are working.
• Take the car for a test drive over various types of roads.
• While on the road, test the brakes for pulling.
• Be alert for vibrations during the drive, for signs of front-end trouble.
• If the car has manual transmission, be alert for excessive play, grabbing or rattling of the clutch
• Look for vibrations or unusual noises from the engine, transmission, rear end or wheels, that may be a signal of trouble.
• Push the gearshift through its various positions and see how the car reacts.
• Let the engine idle and be alert to noises or vibrations that could indicate a badly tuned engine or one with bad valves.
• Be alert for any unusual odors. These could tell you that all is not well.
• If the automatic transmission doesn't shift smoothly or is there is hesitation when it shifts, the transmission may be in need of repair work.
• When test driving, step on the gas and look into the mirror for smoke from the exhaust. White or bluish smoke may mean an overhaul is needed.
• Check to see how much power the car has on a hill.
• Turn on the heater to see if it works.
• Turn on the radio.
• Try the windshield wipers.
• If possible, run the car through a car wash to see if it leaks. And before you sign on the bottom line, have your own mechanic check out the car or take it to a diagnostic center.
• Never buy a used car in the rain, at night or when you are in a hurry.
• Have the person in charge put in writing and sign all promises before you buy the car.