While you may dream of owning a new car, your budget may dictate that you purchase a secondhand vehicle. Consumer Reports says used vehicles offer great value and notes this: "Not only is the price lower than a comparable new car, but ownership expenses such as collision insurance and taxes are lower, and a used vehicle has already taken its biggest hit in depreciation." When shopping, there are guidelines you should follow when comparing used cars.
Safety Ratings
The nonprofit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety performs crash tests on vehicles and rates them based on the results. Search its database to find safety assessments of cars dating back as far as the 1990s. The government's five-star safety rating website also offers historical data.
Gas Mileage
Find out how far a used vehicle will travel per gallon of gas by visiting the U.S. Department of Energy's fuel economy website. You can find fuel economy ratings for vehicles built as early as 1984.
Reviews
Find out which used vehicles are rated best and worst by Consumer Reports when you subscribe to its website. You'll also get access to ratings that measure the reliability of used cars in 17 areas over 10 model years.
Options and Costs
When you've narrowed your search to a few models, check the inventories of dealerships in your area online. This will allow you to see the mileage and features available on similar models, as well as the dealer's asking price. Don't forget to look for private-party listings in your local newspaper and online classified ads.
Certified Vehicles
You aren't likely to get a warranty if you buy a car from a private seller, but some dealerships offer "certified preowned" vehicles that come with warranty coverage.
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