To Buy a Used Car

1. There is almost no car in excellent condition. Those cars only exist in the imagination of the sellers.

2. Do you own homework. The reasonable price and affordable price are based on you, not the one who helps you check.

• Carfax: Get the VIN number and look for the history of the car.


• Kelly's Blue Book: Get the "possible price range" sold in your area


• Edumds: Something like kbb


• MSN Autos: Look for the listing specs of the car. The reliability section and user reviews are helpful.


• Samarins: Car reviews

3. You can never tell if a car is good based on the specs and numbers.

Yes, mileage matters. Yes, the brand and model matter. However, it's the
condition of the car that makes the final call. There is no possibility to
decide if the car is okay by looking at the specs. How the owner treated the car
will make it a bargain or a lemon.

4. Patient. You can always find another suitable car tomorrow.

5. Some useful information about check a car

• Look for oil leak. (take a look at the engine and look for any hint of oil spread or leakage. Usually there are some at the bottom. Do not take their words like "it's beacuse of the previous oil change... that's normal... every car has it...")
• Check the tires. (There is a number on the tire listed the manufactured date. Usually a tire can go around 3 to 5 years. If you see some cracks or more wearness on the tires, you know what kind of driver he or she is.)
• Look for the uneven color or uneven line around the body. Usually every part of the car (doors, front hood and the door of the trunk...) has a sticker with the VIN number on it. If there is only one part does not come with a sticker, it might be changed.
• How to check the engine
• How to check the transmission