There isn t a little dingy shop at the corner. There isn t a garage sale (though it would be appropriate). There isn t even an oily looking man who approaches you after lunch making a discreet suggestion in a low voice.

Got your attention haven t I? All that mysterious stuff was about buying a second-hand car. Unlike most second hand goods used cars are not difficult to come buy - you only have to watch out while inspecting one. And if at all cars were available for sale in the ways detailed above they would be of very dubious quality. This is why I the Guardian Angel Used-Cars am here -to let you in on some inside stuff on where to buy a used-car.

NEW-CAR DEALERSHIP

Buying from the used-car operation at a new-car dealership is usually a safe bet. They generally guarantee the cars they sell they re well equipped to do repairs if necessary and they have to build a good reputation if they want to stay in business. 

PRIVATE SELLERS

Private sellers are usually regarded as honest and not out to make a quick buck. Most are like that. However some individuals are selling cars they know have problems but they might not volunteer the information out of fear it will scotch a deal. Even if they re honest what happens if the starter motor fails on you a week after buying it from a private seller? Will they replace it? Pay for towing? Not likely. Private sellers generally don t give guarantees so even the most honest aren t apt to fix something that breaks after you drive away. 

USED CAR DEALERS

Used car dealers generally sell vehicles that have seen a bit more use and abuse than those on the new car dealer s lot. You may pay less but the car is less likely to have received needed repairs. If you are considering buying from a dealer check out the dealer s reputation and reliability first. Ask the dealer for the names and numbers of several previous customers and contact them to find out how they were treated after the sale and whether the car was as reliable as the dealer represented it to be. Moreover the Buy Here Pay Here types also charge higher interest on loans. They re also less likely to provide a warranty unless you re willing to pay extra for it.

Most Used Cars Dealers operate on a fixed commission and if you can haggle well then you could workout a good deal. Many dealers buy used cars from people who want to dispose their cars fast by offering spot-payment and later sell these cars at a profit. Competition has pushed the margins down and you could get a favorable deal.

BANKS AND FINANCE COMPANIES

Banks and loan companies sometimes sell repossessed cars to pay off defaulted loans. Quality varies from car to car. But since the vehicle is being sold to recover the amount due on a loan it may be possible to get a good deal on a reliable car. The procedure is usually cumbersome as these companies accept offers from various buyers and then sell the vehicle to the person who has the best offer.

NEWSPAPER CLASSIFIED ADS AND THE INTERNET

Though it takes a bit more time buying a used car from the seller directly can always get you good deal. Both the seller and the buyer save on the cost of having an intermediary. When you shop for the car via newspaper classified advertisements the Internet or word of mouth you can get in direct contact with the seller. As with most things in life knowledge is the best weapon bargaining tool and protection that you can have when entering a frightening or unknown situation. Initially you could identify the correct car by asking relevant questions probably over telephone and when satisfied should inspect the car and its papers.

Auto sites like yours truly have voluminous listings from corporate companies and individuals who want to sell their cars - reliable listings available merely a wand wav...I mean a mouse click away. Just arm yourself with enough info on how to inspect a used car how to test-drive the car etc. before you go in for the kill.