Should you buy a used car or a new one? If you’re confused on what to do, you are not alone. A lot of prospective car buyers feel this way too.

If you don't want to spend a lot of money on a new car, a used car could seem like a great alternative. However, buying a second-hand car might turn out to be more expensive if you don’t know what to watch out for.  

Before you start googling used cars near me,' here are five things every potential buyer must know. You should know:

1. Exactly what you want

Type in 'used cars for sale near me' in any search engine, and you're sure to be met with tons of options. It's easier to get confused about what car to buy when you’re not exactly certain about you want.

What are you going to use the car for? Do you plan to use it to transport your kids to school? Is it strictly for business purposes?

These are crucial questions that should be answered. Don't choose a car because of its sleek appearance or beautiful color. Itemize the features you need in a car and scout for a model that has what you need.

2. Your budget

It's not advisable to start looking for used cars for sale without establishing a budget.

How much can you afford for this car? Are you going to need additional financing such as an auto loan or would you pay monthly?

With a clear budget, it’s harder for a salesperson to pressure you into taking a deal beyond your budget.  

Also, when budgeting for a second-handcar, you may need to set some money aside for repairs. Yes, a salesperson might tell you that the car is in good condition, but you never know how true that is until you start to use the car yourself.

3. If the mileage was tampered with

Buying a second car is especially tricky because of mileage. Some car dealers tamper with the mileage of used cars, knowing that buyers prefer ones with lower mileage.

Check the car's odometer for any irregularities. Do you see screws oddly in place? Are the numbers arranged accurately?

Don't buy a car with high mileage or one you suspect has the wrong mileage. Such a car may come cheap but over time, it may not be a good buy because of wear and tear. You might just be buying a lemon.

4. The car's history

Don't be moved by what you see. A car's history is an important factor you must consider before paying for that new whip. Carfax.com is a good place to start. The site gives you a vehicle’s history report, and you can find every detail from its first purchase.

Additionally, each car comes with a Vehicle Identification Number, which you can get online or from the car seller. With the VIN, you can get even more important information about any car. Plug this number into the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) database to know if the car has a sketchy background. Anything that looks fishy should be considered a red flag.

5. How to inspect a car

You should thoroughly check any car before you put your money down. If you aren't too good with cars, take someone along who knows what to look for in a car.

Apart from looking at the car's exterior, thoroughly inspect its interior too. Are there parts with serious rust issues? Is the upholstery in order? Sometimes, buyers hastily neglect these things and end up paying huge chunks of money later to fix them.

Don’t forget to test drive. A test drive will reveal any hidden problems that a dealer might not want to disclose. Pay attention to everything in the car as you test drive it.

If you're convinced about your new ride, take it to a mechanic for additional inspection. A mechanic would thoroughly check your car and even point out things you missed the first-time!

So, the next time you see assign reading 'cars for sale' in a second-hand car outlet, you know exactly whatto look for!

‍