5. Check into the car’s history

When you see a car you like, find out as much as you can about who has driven it and where and how it was used. Ask questions about anything unusual: “How did it get this nick?” “How did it get so many miles?” Of course, an individual seller will probably know more than a dealer.

Also get a vehicle history report from a service such as Carfax (www.carfax.com). For this you will need the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is usually found on the dashboard on the driver's side near the windshield.

Checking a car’s history:

• A vehicle history report costs money, but it’s worth it. It will help you tell whether the odometer has been rolled back, whether the car was in a major accident, and so on.
• Often a dealer will give you the vehicle history report for free.