[Moongirl]

What are things you look for when buying a used car? We were in an accident and our car got written off so now we need a new one, we only have the money from insurance to buy a new one with. I would just like some suggestions.

[Hacha]

Before you decide on a car, ask if you can take the car to a mechanic to get it checked out. You may want to see the CarFax that comes with the vehicle too, if you get it at a dealership. The CarFax tells you the history of the vehicle, whether it was wrecked or not, how many owners it's had, that type of thing.

[Linda L.]

I was in a similar situation not long ago. I found a vehicle at a dealer, but my husband was concerned about no warranty. I mentioned it to the sales person and he through in a 3 year warranty at no cost to make the sale.

[Moongirl]

We got one today, finally, it is a 2001, not a newbie, but good for what I need. It was private sale, it came with extra tires (winter) and rims and they had all the receipts for the work that was done on it.

[Bella]

I let my husband deal with that stuff since he has the mechanical brain in the family.

Congratulations on your "new" car, Moongirl! I hope you get many happy miles out of it

[Moongirl]

My husband is not mechanically inclined at all, I am more inclined than him, so it usually falls to me. He is far better with computers than he is cars.

[Jenny]

I think buying a used car is the best way to go. After just a few years the price goes way down and if you buy a good brand they will hold that value longer. You could look into certified used cars. That way they have been fully inspected and fixed. The certified cars usually comes with a warranty.

[webhouse]

Originally Posted by Moongirl

We got one today, finally, it is a 2001, not a newbie, but good for what I need. It was private sale, it came with extra tires (winter) and rims and they had all the receipts for the work that was done on it.

I am glad for you Moongirl. It's great that it was private sale. When it comes to buying a used car, I don't usually go to a dealer. I would find someone (it's better if I personally knew him) who was selling his car.