Purchasing a car can be a daunting task, but if you need to buy a car, you have to give in and buy one. Say you've decided to buy a used car to save money. Do you know how to buy a used car and save money? Before you start shopping for a used car, do your research on buying used cars. If you do your homework in advance, it can save you from future headaches and still save you money on your used car. Part of buying a car, used or new, is doing proper car research.

As part of your research on buying a used car, you should consider your driving habits, needs, and budget. Then determine what used car model, option, and price you are looking for. A great place to research the market value of the car based on specific features, is the Kelly Blue Book's website, www.kellybluebook.com. As part of your car research, also start looking for a used car in your local paper or local online paper.

Other websites to get great deals on used cars, saving the maximum amount of money on a used car, is www.craigslist.com, www.ebay.com, www.automotive.com. Libraries and bookstores also have publications that compare car models, options, costs, and offer information about frequency-of-repair records, safety tests, and mileage. Many of these publications have details on the do's and don'ts of buying a used car. Buying a car doesn't have to be a hassle if you do the proper used car research ahead of time!

Learn all you can about the used car before you buy a used car.
Inspect the vehicle using a car inspection checklist. Get a car inspection checklist online. Some owners are dishonest about their used car's condition, and it is important to verify that their used car is in the condition stated by giving the used car proper inspection.

• Test-drive the used car before buying the car. Go up hills, on highways, and in stop-and-go traffic.
• Request the maintenance records for the used car. If the owner doesn't have them, ask to get records from the dealership or repair shop where work on the used car was done.
• Speak to the prior owner of the used car. Especially if the current owner is not familiar with the car's history.
• Have the used car inspected by your mechanic.
• Find out how much the monthly car insurance, oil changes, tune ups, and other repairs, are on the car.

• Save money over time and try to pay cash for your used car.
• Try to finance for 3 years or less if you must finance.
• Keep your car longer.
• Once you are ready to purchase a used car, buy it at the end of the month.
• Shop around for a used car. Don't rush and buy a used car without doing the proper car research.
• Do not lease the used car.
• Keep away from used cars that are costly to insure and repair. The goal is to save money, not spend more than you have to!
• Do not get more car than you can afford.

You need a used car? Get a used car. But make a wise decision when you purchase one. Doing car research prior to purchasing one and being informed about the true cost of owning the used car can save you money. The decision you make today can affect you for years to come.

Sharman Lawson is a financial coach, speaker, and author of the book 12 Steps to Eliminate Debt Forever! Visit her website at www.sharmanlawson.com.