There are many practical considerations in buying a used car as well as some sound reasons to choose a used car over a new car purchase. After all, it is a maxim in auto purchases that a new car starts loosing value the moment that you drive it off the lot.

Often you can find a used car that has bells and whistles that you could not have afforded if buying new. A friend bought a used Jeep that included a wider wheel base, AC, CD player and leather interior – none of which he could have afforded new.

Once you have decided on buying a used car, the usual applies. Does it meet all of your needs? Is the financing being offered the best that you can do or should you shop further? Have you a mechanic friend that can examine it for an independent evaluation?

And then there is the used car warranty. Sometimes, if the car is a late model vehicle, there may be a remainder of the manufacturer’s warranty.You will find that there is no standard used car warranties and that the most common used car warranties are the 3month/3000 mile used car warranty that will cover major components.

Kelly Blue Book is an excellent online source to pricing used and new cars and offers basic guidelines for either purchase.

For used car shopping, they suggest the following:

• Find Out How Much You Can Afford
• What’s the Right Car for You?
• Find Your Car’s Value
• Contact and Communicate with the Seller
• Get Both a History and a Safety Report on the Car
• Conduct a Thorough Walk-Around
• Conduct a Thorough Test Drive
• Go the Extra Mile to Assure Quality
• Negotiate Your Best Private Party Price
• Negotiate Your Best Dealer Retail Price

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