Finding A Used Car That Won’t Let You Down

High gas prices are putting a strain on American family budgets, forcing some people to make hard choices when it comes to their transportation. Unless you live in an area where mass transportation is usable, you’re probably doing just like everyone else — depending on your car to take you where you need to go.

Some people are fighting back by getting rid of their SUVs and pick up trucks, deciding to shop for transportation which will cost them less, at least less per mile. Sales of new compact cars rose sharply in May 2008, bolstered by people who were making that switch.

Not everyone is in the market for a new car, but they might certainly consider a reliable used car if they could find one. As you explore the market and research particular models, there are some things you’ll want to keep in mind to ensure that your used car won’t let you down:

Visit KBB — Kelley Blue Book is the authority on used car prices. Go to their website to see what the retail value is of the car that you want. You’ll pay less if you shop the classified ads with Craigslist and your local newspapers a good place to start. Note: prices of economical used cars has been rising dramatically as demand surges accordingly.

Compare Models — Late model used cars can set you back by $10-25,000, and deliver you good gas mileage. If you are mechanically inclined, consider a Toyota, Honda, or Nissan model that is at least ten years old. Some of the older cars get better gas mileage because their emissions aren’t as strict and they don’t have all of the airbags and other safety devices which add to the weight of the car.

Get It Inspected — Before I purchased my 2001 Dodge Neon in 2003, I ordered a Carfax report to verify that it hadn’t been damaged, salvaged, or had some other glaring problem. Though I didn’t have a mechanic inspect the car, it can be worth the $50-$100 you would pay to have your guys at the garage look the vehicle over.

Shop Around — Besides checking the classified ads, consider a certified used car especially one with an extended warranty. You’ll pay a premium for those types of cars, but you’ll also get a car that has low miles and is backed by the manufacturer. Also consider buying a rental fleet car — our Toyota RAV4 was purchased from Hertz Rental Sales, a fully loaded 2003 model we bought toward the end of 2004.

Finally, when researching the market, pull up objective road tests from websites including The Truth About Cars and get a copy of Consumer Reports April car buying guide for detailed information about your ride.

A used car can save you money on gas, insurance, and registration, but if it isn’t reliable, you could pay more for maintenance and repairs, effectively canceling out your savings in the process.