It is often a tedious task to buy a used car that can perform in the line of your expectations. In fact it is a tricky process to find one as every car is different from the other. The used cars or any vehicle for that matter always come with a baggage of advantages and disadvantages. So buying a particular car can either be beneficial or it might prove a nightmarish moment for you. With so many choices and conditions that one goes out for hunting a used car, successfully finding the right one is often nothing than a challenge itself.

If you have found yourself in a similar predicament as to which car should be bought and which to be left then you need to be aware of certain facts. So it is important to be careful when you are buying a used car because when it comes to spend your hard earned money, it is better you should put your money where your mouth is. In this regard, sometimes it can be highly profitable for you to take help from car buying and selling companies. They may save your time and money.

Thus the following tips can be highly beneficial for you to choose a car according to your requirement:

1. How much can you afford for the car?

Consider this as rule of thumb – if you have decided to buy the car on loan, then the payment should not exceed 20% of your take-home payment. It effectively means if you have a tight budget, it is better to spend even less. The used cars always need an extra care on your part such as new tires, new accessories and maintenance. Apart from that there are ownership costs as well such as fuel and insurance.

2. Investigate the car history

It is one of the most important tips to follow as it doesn’t make any sense that you are buying a car without even going through its history report. The examples are replete when people ended up buying cars that had earlier been wrecked. There is no dearth of car professionals who are experts in working on the wrecked car bodies to ultimately make them look good. If the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is not clearly mentioned by the seller, then it is better to move on to the next car. It is possible that the seller is trying to hide something.

3. Make a list of target cars

If you want to save money or want to make a best buy, then you should have more than one brand in your mind that most closely can fulfill your requirements. As a matter of convenience, it is advisable that your list should feature at least three cars that meet your needs and fall right under the budget. Apart from that if you need a car that is not more than 5 years old, then go for the ones that are certified pre-owned (CPO). The advantage of buying CPO cars is that they have long duration warranties backed by car manufacturers.

4. Make a close examination of engine

It is no secret that engine is the heart of any vehicle; therefore it must be thoroughly checked and examined. First thing you need to check is the engine’s coolant and oil levels while the car is off. The engine oil should be black in color without any grit. The coolant, on the other hand, should not contain any particulate matter in it. If you find all of these things with such a car, it means it has some serious issues that will take more money to repair. Examine whether the transmission fluid with the engine is running or not. Apart from that, it is also pertinent to check brakes, mileage and battery of the car properly.

5. Close the deal

When you have properly checked and examined each and every aspect of the car, it is time to negotiate like a pro and seal the deal with a win-win like situation. Remember that it is the time to use all the information and resources available at your command to drive down the prices as much as you can. After the final round of negations is complete, the transaction should also be finalized. It is always recommended that you should pay the full amount when the title is completely transferred to you.

Used car buying may be a time consuming and challenging process to go through, but following some important tips will always be immensely beneficial for you. From the minute details in the car to the paperwork to the applicable laws, every aspect should be factored in. Then only it will be much needed celebration for your new purchase.