With the economy in bad shape, it’s possible to get really great deals in new cars. However, used cars are still the better option for most people. New cars lose tremendous amount of value within the first year making used cars the economical choice.

Ask yourself, is a brand new car really worth it? A car usually retains the same body style for 4-5 years at a time. If you’re worried about staying current, people won’t be able to tell what year your car is anyways. Most cars, if you take care of them properly, can last well beyond 10 years and 100,000 miles.

If you’ve decided on an used car, great! There are few steps you should take to make the car buying as smooth and efficient as possible. It’ll also save you quite a few headaches.

Do your research

Do as much research on the make and model of the car you want to purchase. Do you need a sedan? Do you need a SUV? Do you need a large storage space? What about your family? Read some consumer guides such as Edmunds.com or Consumer Reports to get ideas for a reliable used car.

Prepare yourself to deal with the car salesman

Used car salesmen are known to be very pushy and very commission centric. However, there are still many good sales people out there who actually care about your needs and would like future business from you. Don’t feel pressured and try to bargain with them. If you’re not confident, take a friend with you. Remember to always ask for a Carfax report–this is a must. If you buy a used car from a private seller, definitely take a mechanic along.

Negotiating

Negotiate as hard as you can. Used cars usually have a higher mark up than new cars, giving you more room to bargain. Try to get a warranty if the car isn’t that old. However, if they try to sell you warranty do NOT buy it from the dealer. You can get cheaper warranty online at places like Warranty Direct. You can usually negotiate with the finance manager for better terms and payments if you’re financing the car.

Maintenance

Used cars require extra care and maintenance than a newer vehicle. Find a reliable mechanic that you can trust to get your work done. Do your oil changes regularly and get a tune up every year. Regular maintenance means your car will actually cost less in repairs and last much longer.

Keep these in mind and you shouldn’t have a problem snagging a great deal on a car.