One of the best ways to save money when purchasing a vehicle is to shop for used cars rather than for new ones. Often a low mileage used vehicle can save you a lot of money but still allow you to drive a dependable and great looking vehicle. There are a few tips you should know when you are shopping the used market.

Some of the best bargains are found in vehicles that are sold by individuals rather than by dealers. Dealers have to pay enough for the vehicle that the seller does not feel that he is getting took and then sell the car to make a profit. On the other hand, an individual seller can often sell the vehicle himself at a lower price than ask by a dealer but at a higher price than he would get for a trade in of the vehicle.

Some vehicle brands make better deals than others in the used vehicle market. For example, used Hondas may have another two to three hundred thousand trouble free miles while you would be doing well to get another fifty thousand miles out of other brands. Magazines such as Consumer reports often rate vehicles and will give you an idea of the best buys.

You would be wise to have a trusted mechanic take a quick look at any vehicle before you make a purchase. Plan to pay for this service, but know that the fee is much less than the cost of major repairs of which you are not aware. Try to make an appointment ahead of time with the mechanic so that he can devote some time to inspecting the vehicle.

If you have good credit, newer vehicles often qualify for bank financing. Talk with your banker and secure financing before you buy to save money on finance charges. The bank may offer a loyal customer a car loan that is several interest points lower than you would find at the dealer.

The blue book value can tell you what a fair retail price is for a vehicle. Knowing this value may give you some bargaining leverage. You can look up blue book values using the internet if you are objective in your rating of the quality of the vehicle. The report will also give you a good idea of what your current vehicle is worth as a trade for the newer vehicle.

Carfax offers a new service that gives the history of repairs to the vehicle. You should make sure that you have the VIN number that is on the dash of the vehicle and order the report for yourself. These documents can help you to know if the car you are considering was a lemon that someone else has traded in for a new vehicle.

You can often save quite a tidy sum of money if you purchase a used cars , but you must do your homework before the purchase in order to be sure that you are getting the best available deal. Make sure that you are purchasing a vehicle known for longevity such as used Hondas or similar brands.