Maybe you do not really want to put down money for a new car. Maybe you want to try out the car because you feel a new car may take a little chance. Whatever the reason, if you are looking for a used car, keep a few guidelines in mind and you can just walk – sorry, driving with a set of big wheels.

The first step of course is the place to go and look for one. Before you go to a used car, spread the word around that you are looking for one and then keep your ear to the ground. Friends, family, acquaintances … one of them can only take news from someone with a good car that wants to upgrade and you just might be able to take car of your dreams. When it happens to be someone you know, you can count on getting it at a more reasonable price and you also know the history of the automobile – has been well maintained? Was in an accident? Does the owner drives it good?

If you do not know the person selling the car, here are some questions you can ask. The first of course is, why do they sell the car? Could it be due to the fact that the car has some problems with it? Then find out how long they have had a car and whether there are improvements made in it during that time. A car can be five, maybe even seven years and can be very good condition. Check if there are improvements needed at this point of time. Then look at the mileage. It is always better to get a car that has done less mileage as wear and tear on parts will not be much. If the car has done a lot of mileage, check on how it is used. Is there a warranty on the car? Maybe the car was only used by families to drive in the city? In this case, it will not matter if it has clocked more miles.

In particular, check the following. Look to see if there are holes or rust body. Both are difficult to manage. If a body panel has rusted right through, you will need to replace it. If the paint job has not been done well and there are different nuances between panels or peeling paint or cracked, it will need to be repainted. Look good under the hood and the electrical work. Also pay attention to the glass and especially for the tires to see if they are all true or obsolete.

Taking the car out for a test drive. If it is a manual model, check to see that the clutch was not slipping. This means that when you are in neutral, your engine will rev. So, you will have to change the clutch. Then look at the exhaust. Is there a lot of noise or smoke coming from it? This would mean that the parts may need replacing. The car may even need repairs done on the motor. Then drive from a big hole. This is how to test the suspension. If it does not go well through it, you can have alignment issues or problems suspension or even possible tire problems. It pays to take a mechanic along, someone that you trust your mind, when you go along to inspect the car used.

Then look at the document. Look carefully to see how many owners the car has, what taxes should be paid, details of registration, insurance papers. You must ensure that all documents are in order. If after all this, you’re like a car, go ahead and make the deal and go home your new car!