Buying a used car is always a little bit of gamble. You are never sure if the car you are about to buy is accident-free, has actual mileage, and was garaged and properly maintained. Though we are often unable to find hidden facts like engine problems, rusty doors or a worn out automatic transmission that may not have been obvious when you had a test drive.

Don't look for cheapest car around. Best deal isn't buying the cheapest, its important to look for a car in good condition for practical price. If you had to choose between a comparatively cheap car that might have been maintained badly or had an accident in the past or needs some repair, etc. and more expensive one that is in excellent condition, we will always recommend you to go for the later option.

So, you have all the answers with you, only if you know what the right questions are. You must ask yourself if you are saving money by buying a used car. How should I do away with the risk of possible problems and is it actually promising to do? We have gathered a few tips that will help you buy a good used car.

1. Know the real wholesale value of the used car you are about to buy. Also, if it is possible take a certified mechanic along with you to inspect the car before you agree to buy it. This will cost you around $40 - $60, but it is a small price and it will make sure that you are getting the right used vehicle.
   
   Take a good look at the overall condition of the car. Make sure that the engine is clean; if the car has oil leakage or other fluid leakage then this is a moment where you must ponder.
   
   
2. Someone who takes thorough care of his house and yard is more likely to have meticulous care for his car. Such people always do regular maintenance services of the car especially changing the oil at the right time.
   
   
3. Creating a friendly relationship with a prospective seller always turns out to be crucial when it comes to negotiating a price. A friendly chat will do no harm.
   
   
4. Instead of looking for small scratches in the paint, you must look on more serious things. Every car that has been on road goes through wear and tear, the magnitude of this wear and tear is critical when buying a used car. You must look if the car has all parts and that there are no broken parts.
   
   
5. Buying a vehicle that has its after market value done wont turn out to be a good deal. The best to find out if the vehicle has been going through proper maintenance service is to ask the owner to show the maintenance records of the vehicle. If owner can not produce this record then this is surely a warning that the vehicle may have been causing trouble.
   
   
6. Negotiation: Seldom does a private seller gets the same price that he demanded. Therefore one should never agree to the first offer unless the car happens to be too good to be true. In the equal respect, one should not insult the seller by offering a fair price below what they are asking and get things started from there. If your inspection or the certified mechanic's inspection of the vehicle reveals some slight problems, the best way is to use them as bargaining chips.
   
   Settle on your top price and then start your concession at least 20% below what you're willing to pay. A check book in hand always gets the seller's attention. Having the ability to write a check right then and there happens to be one of the keys in buying a cheap used car.
   
   Your offer will never please the seller and you are most likely to hear, "you are not being reasonable". Accept it with a smile and let the seller know that you will be happy to see him earn something from that car, but still keep insisting on your budget limit.
   
   
7. Be patient: mostly, to get a truly good car, you have to be patient and not get anxious. Being more anxious to buy than the seller is to sell, you loose you chance of buying a good cheap used car. You must be in the right place at the right time to get a really good deal and nothing comes your way without patience.
   
   

8. If at any time of the negotiation you feel that there is something wrong with the prospective purchase that you are about to make, you always have time to walk back.

Important Questions to ask to seller

1. Why are you selling the vehicle? Keep an eye on the seller's expressions, any signs on nervousness should raise your eyebrows.
   
   
2. If the vehicle ever had major accident? Cars that have had accidents always cause problems and are never safe.
   
   
3. If the seller wants to get rid of it quickly, you have chance of striking a good deal with him. Creating a friendly atmosphere with him will always help.