Know What You're Looking For

• Before you hand over your hard-earned cash to a big-toothed, salesman you might not entirely trust, you first must prepare. The infinite variables that accompany a used car purchase can make this even more difficult. On the preliminary list of "need-to-knows" are a used car's make, model, mileage and purpose.
  
  Makes and models: Choosing prospective makes and models of vehicles can be a tiring and frustrating process, but if you want a car that will last more than a month, there are some simple steps you can take to ensure your purchase will be a wise one. Look around you on the highways and parking lots. If you see a certain vehicle in abundance on the roads, it usually means the car has a good track record and it stays on the road longer.
  
  Do your own research. Hundreds of publications list the reliability of vehicles (both new and used). "Consumer Reports" tests the reliability of thousands of products every year, and automobiles are one of their specialties. Take a look at their guide to the most (and least) reliable used cars. "Consumer Reports" tests important things that you will be unable to do for yourself. For instance, it would be nearly impossible for you to know how many times per thousand miles an '86 Monte Carlo breaks down.
  
  Mileage: Obviously, a used car comes with some baggage. Number one on your list of things to be concerned about (before a test-drive) is your mileage preference. Sure, we would all prefer to have a car that is six months old and has 5,000 miles on it, but that's not going to happen. Set a reasonable goal for yourself regarding mileage and wear-and-tear on your prospective vehicle. Consider things like a factory warranty. A vehicle that is only a couple of years old and has 20,000 miles on it is likely to have a good bit of a factory warranty left. Also consider how many miles you're planning to stack on the car. If you're using the car as a backup, you don't need to be so concerned about mileage, but if you're planning to make it your primary mode of transportation, get a car with low mileage.
  
  Be wary of vehicles with frighteningly low mileage numbers. Salesmen have been known to turn back the mileage on vehicles to make them appear more attractive.
  
  Purpose: Finally, why do you need this car? If it's reliability you need, your decision is easy. If you need a reliable family car with dual airbags, seven cup holders and a four-speed automatic with maroon shag interior, it makes your search all the easier. Take into account your needs when you research models so you know what is standard fare on the vehicle in question. Unlike new cars, used cars can't be ordered to your preference. In some ways, you have to "luck out" to get the ideal vehicle. But keeping your eyes and ears open helps. Start your used-car search months before the vehicle need is critical so you can keep your options open (and possibly stumble upon a sweet deal).