Buying a used car today can be something of a gamble.  While buying a previously owned vehicle is usually a much better deal than buying a new car there are many pitfalls to avoid.  Don’t be too apprehensive when starting your search for a new used car.  For every lemon there are hundreds of good deals.  Before you buy your used car there are several precautions you should take to ensure you are getting a good car and to make sure you won’t be using your credit card every time something breaks.

It is almost always more expensive to buy a used car from a dealership that offers a limited warranty.  Also, you are somewhat protected with your state’s lemon laws with a dealership.  Once you buy from a private seller, the car is yours and there is no turning back when things go wrong.

If you do decide to buy from a private owner it is important to protect yourself.  The owner of the car you are looking at wants to get rid of the car.  He or she will usually be hesitant to tell you all the things that have happened to and all the things they have had problems with.  The biggest step to take before purchasing your car is to take the car to an independent mechanic and have it thoroughly inspected.  If the owner doesn’t want you to do this, there is probably a good reason.  It’s not expensive and even if the seller doesn’t want to pay for the inspection, most mechanics will be more than happy to let you use your credit card.  Another good indicator is if the car is clean.  It is not the final factor but the shape the car is in tells you how the car was taken care of in the first place.

Another step to take when buying a car directly from the owner is to make sure all the paperwork is in order.  Insist that the seller goes with you to the DMV or Secretary of State to transfer the title.  There have been cases of criminals forging titles and once you drive away in your new stolen car they have disappeared and you are left holding the bag.

As mentioned earlier, don’t be too nervous when you decide to buy a slightly used automobile.  As long as you take the steps to protect yourself you can be confident in knowing that you are saving thousands of dollars in the long run for your car.