How to Buy a Used Car in 10 Steps

Summer 2021 update: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected vehicle production worldwide and brought factory closures, limited staffing and a global shortage in semiconductor chips that are essential components in a modern vehicle. As a result, fewer new vehicles are available on dealer lots. And the combination of fewer new cars and more people looking for lower-priced vehicles has increased the demand for used cars and subsequently driven up prices.

This means that 2021 will not likely be a normal year in terms of the selection of cars and discounts you may encounter. Edmunds experts advise consumers in the market for a new car to start shopping sooner rather than later since they anticipate that the chipset shortage is likely to affect pricing and inventory through at least the second half of 2021.

If you're shopping for a new or used car in today's difficult marketplace, please also see "Shopping Tips During the Global Microchip Shortage" for our experts' targeted, data-driven advice.

This article was originally written before the pandemic when vehicle inventory and prices were more stable and predictable. That said, many of the major elements still ring true. You'll still need to determine a budget, find the right car, and research prices to be able to spot a good deal.

If you're looking to buy a used car, you're far from alone. Between private-party and dealership sales, nearly 40 million used vehicles change hands each year.

With so many choices, finding that one right car for you can be a challenge. So we've created a list of steps to help make finding and buying your perfect used car a breeze.

1. How much car can you afford?
2. Build a target list of used vehicles
3. Check prices
4. Locate used cars for sale in your area
5. Check the vehicle history report
6. Contact the seller
7. Test-drive the car
8. Have the car inspected
9. Negotiate a good deal
10. Get the paperwork done

1: How much car can you afford?

A rule of thumb: If you're taking out a loan to pay for your car, your car payment shouldn't be more than 10% of your take-home pay. If you're sticking to a tight budget, you might want to spend even less. Used cars will need a little extra attention from time to time, including new tires, maintenance and the like. And then there are the other ownership costs shoppers sometimes forget to account for, such as fuel and insurance.

If the car you're planning to buy is out of warranty, it might be a good idea to set aside a "just-in-case" fund to cover any unexpected repairs.

2: Build a target list of used vehicles

It's no secret that the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV-4 make for good used cars. But they might cost a few thousand more than a comparable Ford Escape or Kia Sportage, even though these are solid cars too. So if you're looking to save money, consider more than one brand. We suggest making a list of three cars that meet your needs and fall within your budget. Edmunds reviews have great information to guide your choices.

If you're planning to buy a vehicle that is less than 5 years old, consider one that's certified pre-owned (CPO). CPO vehicles have long-term warranties that are backed by the carmaker, not just the dealership selling it to you. Franchised dealerships that sell that same brand new are the only ones that can sell a CPO car of the same brand. So if you want a CPO Chevy Equinox, for example, you'll need to buy it from a Chevy dealer.

3: Check prices

Prices are driven in part by where you're shopping. You'll find used cars in used car sections of new car dealerships, independent used car lots, used car retailers such as CarMax, and websites where private-party sellers list their cars. Of the four, private-party cars will typically have the lowest selling price. CPO cars will usually cost the most, but for the reasons we've noted. To see what other people are paying for the models you've picked out, take a look at the Edmunds Suggested Price, found on each vehicle's inventory page.

4: Locate used cars for sale in your area

One easy place to start building your target list is the Edmunds used car inventory page. To find exactly the car you want, you can filter your search by many factors, including the miles on the car's odometer, its price and features, and the dealer's distance from you. Most other websites will have similar methods to find the vehicle nearest you.

5: Check the vehicle history report

Unless you're buying the car from a close friend or family member who can vouch for its history, plan to get a vehicle history report. This early step is essential. If the car you're looking at has a bad history report, the sooner you know the better.

AutoCheck and Carfax are the best-known sources for vehicle history reports. These reports can reveal vital information about the car, including whether the odometer has been rolled back or if it has a salvage title, which means it has been declared a total loss by an insurance company. You'll use the car's vehicle identification number (VIN) to get this information, and in some cases, all you need is the license plate number. Most major dealers offer these reports for free if they have the vehicle in their inventory.

6: Contact the seller

Once you find a good prospective car, don't run out to see it. Call the seller first. This step is an excellent way to establish a relationship with the seller and verify the information about the car. You can ask private-party sellers why they're parting with a car or whether it has any mechanical problems. And if you're buying from a dealer, a phone call or text is the best way to ensure the car is still in stock.

Sometimes the seller will mention something that wasn't in the ad that might change your decision to buy the car. If you want to go deeper, our used car questionnaire is a good reminder of what to ask. You will notice that the last question on our list is the asking price of the car. Although many are tempted to negotiate even before laying eyes on the car, it's better to wait. Once you see it, you can tie your offer to its condition.

If things are going well, set up an appointment to test-drive the car. If possible, make it for daylight hours so it's easier to see the car's condition.

7: Test-drive the car

Test-driving a used car is the best way to know if it is the right car make and model for you. It's also a good way to assess a particular car's condition. So tune out distractions and focus on the car. Here are some things to check:

• Is it easy to get in and out of the car without stooping or banging your head?

• Is there enough headroom, hiproom and legroom? Remember to check the space in the back seat too.

• Is the driving position comfortable? Do you sit too low, too high or just right in the car? Can you tilt or telescope the steering wheel for a better fit?

• Are the seats comfortable? Are they easily adjustable? Is there a lumbar support adjustment for the driver? How about the front-seat passenger?

• Is the check engine light on? If so, get that problem checked out before buying.

• How is the visibility? Check the rearview mirror and the side mirrors. Look for potential blind spots.

• Use your nose. Do you smell gas, burning oil or anything amiss?

• Check out the tires. How old are they? Is there enough tread left?

• How are the brakes? Are they doing the job of stopping the car? Do they squeak?

• Pop the hood. You don't have to know a lot about cars to see if something looks wrong. If something is leaking, steaming or covered in oil, it's time to ask questions.

• Does the air conditioning blow cold? Do headlights, brake lights and turn indicators work? Test them to be sure.

After the test drive, ask the owner or dealer if you can see the service records. These will show you if the car has had the scheduled maintenance performed on time.

8: Have the car inspected

If you like the car, consider having a mechanic inspect it before you buy it. If you don't have a mechanic, Google and Yelp are good places to read local shops' reviews. A prepurchase inspection costs $100-$200 and can alert you to problems you may not find yourself. It's a smart investment.

A private-party seller will probably allow you to do this without much resistance. Most dealerships will let you borrow a car for an outside mechanic to inspect. You'll be paying for the inspection, of course. If it is a CPO car, there's already been an inspection and the car has a warranty, so there is little reason to take it to an independent mechanic.

9: Negotiate a good deal

Does the idea of "talking numbers" fill you with dread? It shouldn't. Negotiating doesn't have to be a drawn-out traumatic experience. If you are reasonable and have a plan, chances are you can make a deal pretty quickly and easily.

• Decide ahead of time how much you're willing to spend to get the car. But don't start with this number in your discussion.

• Make an opening offer that is lower than your maximum price but in the ballpark based on your average price paid research in Step 3. Explain that you've done your research on Edmunds or wherever else, so you have facts to support your offer.

• If you and the seller arrive at a price that sounds good to you and is near the average price paid, you're probably in good shape.

• And remember, the people on the other side probably dislike negotiating too — even if it's their job.

10: Get the paperwork done

If you are at a dealership, you'll sign the contract in the finance and insurance office. There, you will likely be offered additional items such as a warranty, anti-theft devices, prepaid service plans or fabric protection.

Some people want the peace of mind that comes with an extended warranty, so this is something you might want to consider unless the car is still under the manufacturer's warranty or is a CPO vehicle. Review the dealership sales contract thoroughly. In most states, it lists the cost of the vehicle, a documentation fee, possibly a small charge for a smog certificate, sales tax and license fees.

If you are buying a car from an individual owner, make sure the seller properly transfers the title and registration to you. It's important to close the deal correctly to avoid after-sale hassles. Before money changes hands, ask for the title (which is sometimes called the pink slip) and have the seller sign it over to you. Rules governing vehicle registration and licensing vary from state to state. If possible, check with your local department of motor vehicles to make sure there are no past-due registration fees you'd be responsible for should you buy the car. Whether you buy from a dealer or a private party, make sure you have insurance for the car before you drive it away.

Once you've done the paperwork, it's time to celebrate your new purchase — maybe with a drive-thru dinner. You deserve it!