Seven Things You Must Do Before You Buy a Used Car.

A car is one of the most useful inventions in the history of man. Even in the days of dry pockets, it keeps your secret.

You necessarily don't have to purchase a brand new car. In line with your financial capacity, you can easily get a used car from a car dealer or directly from the owner. But note that the seller is getting rid of the car for a reason. Ensure you are observant so you don't end up with an empty vessel.

Buying a used car can be a smart financial move , but making an impulse buy could mean you end up with an empty vessel or bad car. Whether you’re heading to the dealership or buying from a private seller, arming yourself with knowledge and resources will help you make the most informed decision.

We've outlined the seven things you must do before your buy a used car. Read on....

1. Define what you want and do your research.
Before anything else, take some time to write down what you want from a car: How many people does it need to sit? Would you like it to be small or large? Are there certain features that you feel you can’t live without?
Then research which cars fit your description and what their prices are – Kelley Blue Book is a great resource for that. Walking into the dealership just to browse can prevent you from really finding the best deals because you may be pressured into the sale by a highly trained salesperson. Before you ever set foot on a lot, look at classified ads and print out information on cars from different dealerships so that you have a better idea of what is available and what you should expect to pay for similar vehicles in your area.

2. Set your budget.
Don’t let a pushy salesperson persuade you to extend your budget just to get the vehicle you want. Setting a price range for yourself can also help you narrow your search and negotiate a price you are truly comfortable with. When you talk with the seller, be firm with your budget range, but don’t share your target price until the dealer or seller makes an offer – not revealing the number gives you more negotiating power. And remember, a used car budget shouldn’t just include funds for the car, but also money for an inspection and to cover any small repairs that may be necessary.

3. Consider all of your financing options.
If you aren’t planning to buy the car with cash, consider financing options beyond the dealership. You may be able to get a great rate on an auto loan through a credit union, for example. Try to get rate quotes from a few places, and talk to each potential lender about the types of cars and price range you are working with.

4. Get the car inspected.
Having the vehicle inspected by a trustworthy mechanic needs to be part of the buying process. You can run a basic visual check of the engine and frame on your own, but you will still need a mechanic to take a look under the car and run some basic tests. Even if the seller insists there are no mechanical defects or major issues, you should verify that the car is in good shape with a comprehensive inspection – after all, the seller is getting rid of the car for a reason.

5. Know The History of the Car
Every automobile seller should have all the necessary documentation about the history of the car they are selling. It’s not a good sign when a seller is stalling or unwilling to give you the appropriate documents and information about the car you’re interested in buying. The most important information a seller should provide includes the following:

• Name of the individual or dealership the car was purchased from.
• Proof of previous servicing.
• Records of oil filter and oil changes.
• Car title.
• Vehicle history report.