Finding the Best Used Cars To Buy

Buying a used car is a game of luck: You just never know what you're going to get. However, you can turn the odds in your favor with some online research and a thorough examination.

On average a car in the US accrues between 10,000 and 15,000 miles a year. Most new cars are used for 4 or 5 years and then resold or traded in for a newer car. So it's likely you'll find that most used cars for sale have surpassed the 60,000 miles mark. Nonetheless, mileage is not the defining guide for buying a good used car. Although the mileage may be high, the car's condition can only be determined by the kind of owner it had and the way it was used.

If you want to find the best used cars to buy, here's what you need to do:

Before you even see the car, ask for its VIN - With this information you can get a vehicle history report, check for odometer fraud, verify the car's legal status and see if it has been in a major accident or fire, been stolen, or suffered flood damage.

What do you know about the make and model? - Check reviews, recalls, insurance cost, safety ratings, fuel-efficiency numbers and maintenance costs.

Ask for maintenance records - Periodic maintenance is fundamental to keep a car in top shape. A good sign that the owner has taken good care of the car is if he still has all receipts and follows a service schedule.

Call the expert - The car may seem fine, but it's what's under the hood that counts. Take it to your mechanic or a shop you trust and ask them to do a thorough checkup. This may cost a few dollars, but in the long run it will save you money and headaches.