10 Steps to Buying a Used Car

Scott Jacobs for Edmunds

1. 

Although you think your mind is made up about what car to buy, take the time to consider other competing cars. Maybe you'll find something you like even better.

At the beginning of the car-buying process, many people already know the car they want. But it's a good idea to stop right now and test your decision with this question: Will this car fit into my monthly budget? We'll explain how to determine what car you can afford in the next step. For now, make sure your choice isn't obviously exceeding your budget. Ask yourself, does it meet my current needs? For more on this subject, refer to "10 Steps to Finding the Right Car for You."

You may need to expand your horizons when considering what to buy because you won't know what is available in your area until you really start looking. Consider building a target list of three different cars. You might want to think of vehicles in the same class. For example, if you really want a Toyota Camry, you should also be on the lookout for a Honda Accord, Nissan Altima or Chevrolet Malibu. These cars were built for the same market, but they have different features and sometimes lower prices.