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Used car buying guide

Last updated: October 2012

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Used vehicles are often the best values you’ll find in the automotive market. This is especially true for models just two or three years old. Not only is the price lower than a comparable new car’s, but continuing ownership expenses such as collision insurance and taxes are lower, and a two- or three-year-old used vehicle has already taken its biggest depreciation hit. In addition, buying used is a way to get a nicer car than you’d be able to afford new.

Whether you are looking for a certified pre-owned or a private sale, or are buying from a dealer or neighbor, Consumer Reports can help lead you through the used car buying experience. This guide provides the essential information you need to choose a used car with a good reliability history, sell your old car, and get the best price.

If you are in the market for a new car, see our advice in the new car buying guide.

Featured

used_choosing_car

Choosing a used car

Why buy used?
How much can you spend?
Narrow your vehicle type
Used car reliability
Recommended safety features
used_lemon_inspect

Avoiding a lemon

How to spot a lemon
Inspecting a used car
Beware of flood cars
The problem of rebuilt wrecks
used_buying_right_questions

Buying a used car

Where to shop for a used car
Certified used cars
Guide to certified used car programs
Ask the right questions
Used car sales tactics
used_financing_car_loan

Pricing & financing

How much is the car worth?
Used car leasing
Negotiate effectively
used_selling_trading

Selling a used car

What is your car's value?
Maximizing curb appeal
Trading vs. selling
The trade-in
Selling it yourself
used_after_sale_tires

After the sale

Guide to car maintenance
Tires buying advice & Ratings
Car insurance advice & Ratings
   

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