Thanks to stiff competition among U.S. and foreign automakers, new cars are more reliable today than ever. And reliable new cars make better used cars. Likewise, if you're looking for a car you can drive for the next 10 years, you're probably best off starting fresh. Otherwise, it pays to stroll around the local used-car lot. And the prices are firmly fixed, with no haggling.
Manufacturers insist that a used car pass a series of inspections before it can become certified.
And once a car passes, the manufacturer adds on a fresh warranty of 12 months or more. Here's how to get started Begin by checking the prevailing market prices of the cars, vans or sport utilities that interest you. And before you ever leave home, you should figure out what kind of shopper you are. Below, we list the three most common types of used-car buyers. See where you fit in, and follow the appropriate strategy.