Never buy a used car without having it scrutinized by an independent mechanic.  You never know the true state of a used vehicle until a professional has examined it.  Failure to do this could have you calling for emergency roadside assistance.

A dealer shouldn’t object to you having a private inspection if you leave a photo I.D.  If they tell you an inspection has already been done, insist that you would like the car looked at by a shop of your choice.

The mechanic should put the car on a lift to inspect the undercarriage.  The cost of a thorough diagnostic should run you about $100, but ask in advance.  You can request a written report that will give you details of the vehicle’s condition.  The negotiation may come in handy when you negotiate with the seller.

If you are unsure of a good repair shop, try to find a referral from someone you trust.  You could also go to your local auto-parts store to ask for a good mechanic.  Try not to just pick a name out of a phone book; it’s better to use someone you are familiar with.

Buying a used car is a great way to save money, however, you want to make sure you aren’t getting a lemon.  Putting in the extra time to take the car to a mechanic may save you numerous road service calls down the road.