The following steps will tell you how to locate, price and negotiate to buy the used car you want. If you still don’t know what car to buy, read 10 Steps to Finding the Right Car for You and then come back after you have decided.

Step 1: Starting out.
If you’ve decided to buy a used car, you’ve already made a smart decision. You can get a car that’s almost as good as a brand-new one, without suffering the depreciation that wallops new car buyers as soon as they drive the car off the lot. Used cars-even those that are only one year old-are 20 to 30 percent cheaper than new cars. But there are other good reasons to buy a used car:

• Buying a used car means you can afford a model with more luxury/performance.
• You’ll save money on insurance.
• The glut of cars coming off lease makes finding a near-new vehicle, or “cream puff,” easy.
• Bigger bargains are possible for the smart used car shopper.

Furthermore, the classic reasons to avoid used cars-lack of reliability and the expense of repairs-are less of an issue. Consider these related thoughts:

• Used cars are more reliable today than ever before.
• Some used cars are still under the factory warranty.
• Most new carmakers now sell certified used cars, which include warranties.
• The history of a used car can easily be traced using the VIN number.
• Financing rates for used cars have dropped in recent years.
• If you buy from a private party, the negotiation process is less stressful.

True, you can’t be the first one on the block with the trendiest vehicle. But your consolation will come with the knowledge that you got a great deal and made a smart financial decision. So read on, as we guide you along the road to used car happiness.

Step 2: Locating the right used car.
At the beginning of the car-buying process, many people already have in mind the car they want. But it’s a good idea to stop right now and ask yourself: 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. Does it meet my current driving needs? For more on this subject, refer to 10 Steps to Finding the Right Car.

It’s possible that you need to expand your horizons when considering what to buy. You might want to think of other vehicles in the same class. For example, if you are considering a Toyota Camry you should also look at the Honda Accord, Ford Taurus or Mitsubishi Galant. These cars were built for the same market, but they often have different features at lower prices.

Step 3: Used car bargains.
The cost of a used car is based on its condition, mileage, reliability, performance and popularity. Of course, you want a car that is reliable and performs well. But do you want the same used car everyone else wants? If so, you will pay a premium for it. In some cases, the only difference is the nameplate.

How much difference in price separates good-but-popular cars from the good-but-overlooked counterparts? Two usedcorolla.com editors recently shopped in the family sedan class. They found that two-year-old Camrys and Accords were about $3,000 more than comparable 626s and Galants. For more on this subject read “How to Get a Used Car Bargain.” If you are adventurous and want to shop for a killer deal, read “Used Car Grab Bag.”

Step 4: Research your prospective used car.
You will find all the information you need to make an informed decision about what to buy on the usedcorolla.com used car pages. The major topics are accessed by clicking the links to the left of the screen that list such information as: prices, standard features, specs and safety, warranties, consumer discussions, photos and video and resale values. A helpful feature is “Car Ratings” which includes a bar graph representing consumer satisfaction with this vehicle. You can also read reviews of the car by current owners.

Another essential part of the used car pages is “Price With Options.” usedcorolla.com has developed a True Market Value pricing system to act as a guideline when car shopping. By clicking a bar labeled “Customized Appraisal” you can price a used car more accurately. This figure is based upon thousands of similar sales across the country. We will go into more detail about how to use usedcorolla.com’s TMV later.

One last vital step to getting a great used car deal: you have to run a vehicle history report on any used car you are considering buying. Several companies sell these reports, which are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), but Carfax seems to be the most comprehensive. You will find out the vital information about the used car including whether or not it has a salvage title (it has been declared a total loss by the insurance company) or evidence to reveal if the odometer has been rolled back. This is also the time to decide if you want a Certified Used Car. If you do, see our story that describes the certified used vehicle programs offered by each manufacturer.

Step 5: How much can you afford?
The smart shopper will consider how to finance the car at the beginning of the shopping process. This will avoid unpleasant surprises later in the game and help you make an unemotional decision that fits your budget.

You will need to estimate three figures that will guide you as you go shopping:

Monthly payment. If you are going to take out a loan, how much can you afford to pay each month?

Down payment. How much cash can you put down to reduce your monthly payments?

Purchase price of the car. Answering the first two questions will help you determine a realistic price range for your used car.

Once you’ve determined how much you can spend for a down payment, a monthly payment and the purchase price of the car, print out these figures. Later, in the heat of the moment, when you are negotiating for a used car, you might need to check the card to bring yourself back to earth.

Step 6: Set up financing for your used car.
You have three ways to pay for your used car:

Cash. Need we say more? Money talks-you-know-what walks.

Financing through a bank, on-line lender or credit union. We highly recommend this route because it will usually save money and give the consumer the most control over the transaction.

Financing through the dealer. This can work for some people depending on their credit scores and the current interest rates offered. Also, by prearranging financing through an independent source, the dealer may sometimes offer to beat the rate with a low-interest loan.

Financing through an independent source (on-line lender, bank or credit union) offers several advantages:

• Keeps negotiations simple in the dealership
• Allows you to shop competitive interest rates ahead of time
• Removes dependency on dealership financing
• Encourages you to stick to your budgeted amount
• Low interest loans can be arranged on-line through banks such as Capital One Auto Finance

Step 7: Used car markets.
The three most common places to buy a used car are:

• Private parties
• New car dealerships
• Used car lots

Of these sources, private parties usually have the most reasonable prices. It is also a more relaxed transaction to buy a used car from a private party rather than to face a salesman at a dealership.

Still, there are advantages to buying a used car from a new car dealership. Many used cars, on new car lots, are trade-ins. Dealerships usually get these cars at rock-bottom prices. If you make a low offer-but one that gives them some profit-you just might get a great deal. Furthermore, many dealerships offer certified used cars that have been thoroughly inspected and are backed by attractive warranties.

Search for your car by using Internet sites such as our usedcorolla.com Used Vehicle Listings or the on-line classifieds of your local newspaper. Some sites are very flexible and allow you to search specific criteria such as make, model, options and price range. In some cases you can search the used car inventory of new car dealerships through their Web site.

While the Internet is an amazing resource, you should still try the conventional sources. Ask friends and relatives if they are selling a used car. Keep your eyes peeled for cars with “For Sale” signs in the window. Scan the bulletin boards at supermarkets or in local schools and colleges. Finally, don’t forget old faithful-the newspaper classifieds, particularly on Saturday and Sunday.

A lot of time can be saved by calling the party selling the car before you go to see the vehicle. In this way, you can eliminate cars that have problems such as excessive mileage or a salvage title. Use our Used Car Question Sheet when calling to help prompt you to ask key questions. Verify the asking price in the ad.

After talking to the seller, set up an appointment for a test drive. If possible, make this appointment during the day so you can more accurately determine the car’s condition. Also, ask for the VIN number so you can run a Carfax report. At the beginning of your used car-buying process you should sign up with Carfax to get its 30 day unlimited car reports service. Every time you get a line on a used car, run the VIN. This will tell you if the car is clean.

Step 8: Test driving a used car.
Used car shopping will involve inspecting the vehicle to determine its condition. This process is simplified if you buy a certified used car that has passed a thorough inspection and is backed by a manufacturer’s warranty. But while buying a certified used car removes a lot of the guesswork about the vehicle’s mechanical condition, you pay for this service.

Most new cars are sold with a three-year/36,000-mile warranty. Therefore, if you buy a car that is from one to three years old, with less than 36,000 miles on the odometer, it will still be under the factory warranty. If anything goes wrong with the car you just bought, the problem will be fixed for free. (Warranties vary from one manufacturer to the next. Always read the restrictions of the warranty before buying the car.

If you are serious about buying a used car but have doubts about its condition, take it to a mechanic you trust. A private party will probably allow you to do this without much resistance. But at a dealership, it might be more difficult. If it is a certified used car, there is no reason to take it to a mechanic.

Once you get behind the wheel, your first impression will be the way the car feels when you sit in it. Is it a good fit? Does it offer enough headroom? Legroom? Are the gauges and controls conveniently positioned?

Try to arrange your test drive so that you start the engine when it is completely cold. Some cars are harder to start when they are dead cold and, when doing so, will reveal chronic problems. Turn off the radio before you begin driving-you want to hear the engine and concentrate on the driving experience.