Work out the true amount you can afford, including taxes, registration, insurance, immediate maintenance and a repair reserve — not just the monthly payment.
Used car buyer's checklist
12 Steps to Buy a Used Car Without Getting Burned
Twelve checks in the order you'll need them, from setting a budget to signing the paperwork. Tick them off as you go — your progress is saved, so you can pick up where you left off at the dealership.
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0 of 12 complete
01
Before you start looking
0 of 3Consider passenger/cargo needs, fuel economy, insurance, maintenance costs, reliability and overall ownership costs.
Check common problems for the exact model/year, bad model years, engine/transmission issues and expensive repairs that tend to appear at higher mileage.
The next nine steps happen with a car in front of you
02
When you've found a car
0 of 2Verify the VIN, accident history, title status, mileage history, open recalls and available service records.
Compare the asking price with the market, mileage, trim and condition.
Deal Check
Get a free Deal ScoreDoing this properly means knowing what similar cars, with similar mileage and trim, are actually selling for right now.
03
At the car
0 of 3Check paint/body panels, tires, leaks, rust, interior condition, electronics, warning lights and signs of water or accident damage.
Check the cold start, acceleration, transmission, brakes, steering, suspension, A/C, warning lights and drive it at both city and highway speeds.
Have an independent mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, brakes, tires, suspension, leaks, diagnostic codes and upcoming maintenance.
04
Making the deal
0 of 4Establish an opening offer, target price and maximum walk-away price using market value, mileage, condition and any repairs needed.
Negotiate the vehicle price first. Then compare APR, loan term, amount financed and total repayment rather than focusing only on the monthly payment.
Get the complete OTD price in writing and check taxes, registration, documentation fees, dealer add-ons and unwanted products.
Verify the VIN, selling price, OTD price, down payment, trade figures, APR, term, monthly payment, optional products and every charge before signing.
Know what it's worth before you sign
You've checked the car. The last question is whether the price stands up against what similar cars are actually selling for.
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