Most importantly, make sure you test drive the car. Do not trust dealers who tell you not to worry, that you don’t need to drive it.

Before you buy it, or leave a deposit, take the car to a mechanic you trust and have them check that the car is in good working order. Ask if there is any indication of the car having been in an accident.

If you find something wrong with the car, ask for a lower price to cover the cost of repair, or ask to have it repaired before you buy it.

Make sure you get all of the necessary paperwork, and that the registration and title for the car conform to state law.