Locating Good Used Cars

The Internet has eliminated much of the running around once associated with used car shopping. Using web sites such as www.AutoTrader.com or www.Classified2000.com, you can search for cars that might be for sale down the street, across town or around the country. You can designate specific criteria such as make, model, options and price range to pull up a tailor-made list of prospective cars for you.

But there is another way the Internet can help. If you decide to shop for a used car at a new car lot, you can bring up a list of dealerships in your area. Additionally, you can get their telephone numbers and the directions to drive there. In some cases, car lots will even have their inventory online.

While the Internet is an amazing resource, you should still try the conventional method of car shopping. First of all, ask your friends and relatives if they are selling a used car. Chances are, this will turn up a likely candidate. And buying a car from someone you know means you can learn more about the history of the vehicle than you would from a dealer.

Also, be sure to keep your eyes out for cars with “For Sale” signs in the window. Sometimes, notices of cars for sale will be posted on bulletin boards at supermarkets or in local schools and colleges. Finally, don't forget the newspaper classifieds, particularly on Saturday and Sunday.