How to Buy an Older Car

Some people may buy an older to save money; however, the term "older" may differ by definition when it comes to purchasing a vehicle. Assuming that you want to purchase a cheaper car that you can pay for with cash, you'll have to take extra steps to safeguard yourself against mechanical problems. If purchasing a vehicle from a dealership that does not come with a warranty, the vehicle must at least pass state inspection requirements.

Instructions

1

Start your vehicle search online. Go to local dealership websites to view inventory or stop in to physically see the cars. Go to the All of Craigslist or eBay Motors website for more classifieds options.

2

Shop until you find a vehicle that you like. Test drive it on a highway, a windy road and a rough road to determine whether or not there are sounds or mechanical issues that you can identify. Also, test the vehicle's pick-up by accelerating on the highway or driving up a hill.

3

Check for error lights in the dashboard. There should not be any lights on, such as; SES, Check Engine, ABS or the airbag light. These issues can prove costly to repair.

4

Go to a mechanic with the vehicle. Make an appointment to bring the vehicle in for a full inspection. Work with the seller to arrange for a time to bring the vehicle in to the shop. This way, your mechanic can put the vehicle on a lift for proper inspection.

5

Read the vehicle's title. There should be no lien-holder listed on the title. If the vehicle is titled as a salvage, call your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to find out which additional paperwork you need to transfer ownership--the process differs by state.

6

Pay the seller for the vehicle. If you're buying privately, you'll have to complete your DMV paperwork as soon as possible. If purchasing from a dealer, your dealer representative will handle the DMV paperwork for you.

7

Arrange for a ride back to your newly purchased car after you've completed your DMV paperwork (for a private sale). Put your plates on the car and store your registration and insurance information inside of the vehicle, as required by most states.