The price of new cars has steadily climbed over the past few years, making used vehicles more attractive than ever. Because new vehicles lose so much of their value as soon as they're purchased, car shoppers are increasingly turning to previously owned cars as a smart financial alternative. Today, thanks to manufacturing and maintenance advances, used vehicles are better than ever and still a great value.

Independent Used-Car Dealers - Independent used car lots are a potential source of affordable cheap cars. Many lots have older vehicles that can be real bargains. However, proper caution should be taken to determine if the price is fair and that the vehicle has no hidden problems. Most used cars come without any kind of warranty or return policy.

Consumers are increasingly researching, selecting and purchasing used vehicles online. Nearly a quarter of used-auto shoppers (22-percent) bought a vehicle found online, meaning that they selected the car online but then had to meet with the dealer or seller in person to finalize paperwork and pick up the car.

Buying a used car means you won't have the latest safety features. Newer features such as electronic stability control (ESC), head-protecting curtain air bags, LATCH child-seat restraints, and advanced frontal air-bag systems are harder to find on older vehicles. But a vehicle with more common safety features such as antilock brakes, traction control, and side air bags will be more affordable on a used car than on a similarly equipped new car.

Before buying your used car, find out if the dealer/seller was the original owner, and if not, who was. Ask for the maintenance history and repair records, if there are any, and find out if the vehicle has ever been in an accident. If you're buying from a dealership, ask if there's a warranty. A tip: if you are told there's a warranty, and the Buyer's Guide sticker says "As Is", then unless there is remaining time on the original warranty, you do NOT have one.

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