7. Inspect the car carefully

If you possibly can, take the car to a mechanic you know and trust. Tell the mechanic to give it a thorough exam.

An individual seller should allow you to do this. Dealers are less willing to permit your own mechanic to go over the car, but some dealers will arrange to call in a recognized used-car inspector.

Also look the car over carefully yourself. Even if you’re not a car expert, you can see a lot.

In your inspection, look for things like:

• Wet spots on the pavement (evidence of leaks)
• Mismatching paint (sign of body damage that was repaired)
• Blistered or bubbling paint (possible sign of rust)