Buying a used car is a great way to save a lot of money without sacrificing quality and comfort knowing that a lot of used cars that you see at dealerships are still in good running condition.

However, purchasing a used car is easier said than done for the majority of car buyers out there especially those who lack the knowledge about an automobile.  To help you out in purchasing a used car that is still in great shape inside and out, here are the top six tips that you can follow from cars com once you are in the dealership.

1. Set your budget– This is the most important thing that you should determine before buying a used car. Your newly purchased used car is only as good as your budget set. You should decide and set aside a certain amount of money for buying a used car. Since you are buying a used car, setting a big budget is not necessary at all, be practical and set an ideal budget within your financial reach.
2. Choose the car that fits your needs– Picking the right model for your needs is very important. If you use it daily, choose a sedan, if you want to use it for your business or for industrial purpose, buy a truck, or if you want to use it for your family buy a small van or a compact van. Brands differ from one another but it is up to you which one you prefer.
3. Determine its cost of ownership– Check the vehicle’s history and find out if it has figured in an accident before, or if it experienced any breakdowns or malfunctions before it was appraised by its previous owner. You should bring your own mechanic to inspect the car thoroughly especially its engine because it might have undergone extensive repairs to hide its damages when it was figured in an accident before because this will become a factor in the long run and might affect its performance and condition.
4. Choose a trustworthy dealership– Nothing can go wrong if you deal with the right people when you purchase a used car. Knowing that used cars already have past issues with either its performance and other aspects because of the years it serves to its previous owner, a lot of car dealerships hide these issues to prospective buyers to sell the car instantly which is totally unfair for the buyer and also totally violates the law as well. So make sure you deal with a trustworthy dealership in your place which has good customer reviews and has a good reputation.
5. Check the mileage of the car– Inspecting the car’s mileage will tell you how long has it been running with its previous owner. It is very important to know how long does the car have been running already because this will determine its performance once you are the one who is behind the wheel. Cars usually have a good mileage between 3,000-miles to a hundred thousand miles and beyond that is already a big no for you to consider buying.
6. Check for any dents and scratches– One way to tell if the car is properly maintained and taken care off by its previous owner is its physical appearance. Check for any dents or scratches, and rusts as well that may be located somewhere in its nooks and crannies because this is signs that the car is in poor condition that the dealer sell used cars.