So you are in the market for a used car or truck. Can you tell a great deal from a lemon? Do you know how to get the best deal? Where do you start?

You could start at the library taking out five or six heavy volumes on the topic. Or you could simply follow these five steps to reduce the risk that inevitably comes with buying anything used.

#1 – Do your research

You have many options. The Internet makes searching for used vehicles easy, but remember to spend the time to really do your homework. If saving money is your top goal, try to remain flexible in your search. There might be a great deal on a different make or model than you were thinking of. Or you might have to search a wider location, including nearby cities or towns…or maybe even the state next door.

#2 – Speak with the seller
Once you’ve narrowed down your search to potential vehicles that you would like to purchase, your next task is to inquire about the condition of the car. Whether you are using email or speaking to the seller directly the following questions will help you get a better idea on the condition of the car:

“Tell me please why you are selling the car?”

“Has the vehicle ever been in a collision? Has it ever had major replacement parts added? What else can you tell me about its condition?”

“Do you have maintenance and repair records? May I see them when I come to see the car

“I assume you have no objections to me taking the car for an independent inspection before I commit to a price?”

4. Observe all the bodylines, do the hood, trunk, and doors line up with the rest of the car? If they don’t this could be a sign that the car was in a serious crash.

5. Look to see if the car has ever been repainted by checking for over spray in the trunk and the engine compartment. Overspraying would be a sign that the car has had bodywork done, most likely following a collision.

6.Check for rust on the undercarriage and inside the car and trunk. Rust on the inside on bolts and other metal fasteners is a possible sign of flood damage.

7. Check the tread wear pattern on the tires. Uneven wear could be a sign of a suspension problem.

8. Test all the power options, including locks, trunk, windows, lights, etc.

9. Turn on the air conditioning and the heater (not at the same time!), as well as the defroster.

10. Look for any signs of leaks in the engine compartment (Oil, coolant, etc.)

#4 – Take a test drive

Now that the vehicle has passed a simple visual and touch inspection, it’s time to find out how the moving parts all work (a car is of little use if it won’t move properly). Don’t be shy to ask the seller to come along. If there are unexpected noises that pop up while you are on your test drive, you might want to ask him about them.

In a vehicle with an automatic transmission watch for signs of slippage. When you accelerate, there should be no hesitation between the engine’s acceleration and the car’s. If there is, it is a sure sign of transmission wear (with a costly repair just around the corner).

Test the brakes, both regular and ABS. The car should stop straight and quickly, without pulling to one side and without any vibration. The one thing more important in a car than going is stopping

#5 – Negotiate the price of the car

OK. The car passes your visual inspection, it passes a road test and your independent mechanic (don’t forget him) gives you the green light. No lemon here. But how to get the best deal?

Buying a used car from a used car dealer and a private seller they are two very different experiences. This is most apparent when it comes to negotiating. Dealers are seasoned negotiators; private sellers are not.

Here are a few tips to help you with negotiating:

1. Use the knowledge you gained when researching. The price of a used car is based entirely on its condition, mileage, reliability, performance and popularity

2. Try to remain positive and confident and if you need some handholding bring along a friend for moral support.

3. If you think you will need some financial help, speak to your bank first and see what kind of rates you can get. If you don’t know what you can afford, you cannot negotiate with confidence.

4. You will most likely end up paying more than your offer Make your opening offer low, but one that is still realistic..

By following these five steps and keeping your options open you are bound to buy a used car that will not only meet your needs but also your budget.

Find vital recommendations about the topic of 0 car finance deals – make sure to read the page. The time has come when concise info is really within one click, use this chance.