There are of course some pitfalls when buying any used vehicle, but we want to take a look at specific problems you might run into when buying a used SUV.

Follow these tips to track down an SUV that will not only match your price but suit your family as well:

1. Search for the right brand.

It’s no secret that certain SUVs are designed for longevity while others’ strong points are classy appointments or high-tech features. In an SUV, you’ll want enough space to fit your family, 4-wheel drive, stylish looks and interior comfort. This boils down to versatility, light off-road capability (towing is a nice addition) and affordability, too. The Ford Escape and larger Ford Expedition, for example, neatly fit these categories.

Really think about what you want in an SUV and research each brand to find the best qualities you’re looking for.

2. Pick the right generation.

When checking used SUV listings, you’ll see vehicles from a wide range of model years. The first generation Ford Escape was released in 2001 and redesigned in 2008, with an upgraded 171-horsepower four cylinder V6, new transmission and new-look cabin adopted in the second-gen to conform with other Ford ranges. Rather than only checking mileage, maintenance and costs, in other words, consider when the vehicle was released and with the benefit of hindsight, consider how it fared.

One generation up or down can change the dynamics of the vehicle drastically, so double check gas mileage, reliability and engine sizes.

If you’re looking for a fuel efficient vehicle buying one year newer or older might make a huge difference.

3. Get down to the nitty gritty.

Do your due diligence once you’ve settled on the SUV that meets your requirements. Request the vehicle’s service history and check its reliability record among auto reviewers. Ask the folks over at Toyota of Fort Worth about more of this information. Before you part with your cash, make sure you’re getting what you’re paying for.

4. Get your vehicle checked out.

It’s always a good idea to get a used vehicle checked out by a licensed mechanic. They can give you an idea of what you will need to fix in the future, what is wrong with the vehicle now, and what possible changes will need to be made to keep your vehicle road worthy. You’d be surprised at just how many times there is a small “deal breaker” problem with a vehicle that you wouldn’t have noticed without a mechanic taking a look.

Had an experience with purchasing a used SUV? Let us know in the comments below.

The key to getting the best value is to avoid money-wasting mistakes. Many of these mistakes are easy to avoid and are surprisingly common.

Here are the seven most common blunders that used-car shoppers make:

1. Failing to Check the Model’s Reliability Record
   One advantage to buying a used car is that there has been enough time for consumer satisfaction surveys and repair records to have come in, unlike a brand-new, unproven model. Research the model’s ratings from Consumer Reports or another evaluation service. Above all, avoid the temptation to make an emotional decision because you see a cute car on the lot or a low price.
2. Ignoring the Car’s Maintenance History
   Car buyers previously had to take the owner’s word on maintenance history, but computer searches now make it easy to find a vehicle’s track record. CarFax and AutoCheck can give you extensive records on whether a vehicle has been rebuilt, in an accident and who previously owned it. The services also list a car’s complete maintenance history, even if the car was serviced by multiple shops.
3. Not Getting the Vehicle Inspected by an Independent Mechanic
   Before spending $75 to $100 on a mechanic, do some basic checks yourself. Look for oil leaks under the car, and make sure that power windows and locks work. Check for body rust, especially if you’re searching among Used Cars in Ohio, Michigan or other northern states.
4. Settling for a High Price
   Used car prices are almost always negotiable. Be prepared to go somewhere else if the owner or dealer insists on a price beyond what you’re willing to pay.
5. Letting the Dealer Devalue Your Trade-In
   Always negotiate the price of the car you wish to purchase before indicating that you have a trade-in. If the dealer doesn’t offer you enough for your trade-in, shop around for a better price.
6. Bad Financing Rates
   Before going to a used-car lot, go to your bank or credit union to get pre-approved for a rate. When the dealer offers a rate, make a counter-offer just as you would the car price. A common trick is for car salesmen to ask, “How much can you spend per month on a car payment?” Don’t fall for this trap because the dealer will simply extend the length of the loan.
7. Negotiating Add-ons
   Many people will haggle over the car’s cost but pay full price for an add-on. First find out what the add-on would cost if you purchased it elsewhere and negotiate the price accordingly.

Each year, cars are replaced with newer and sleeker models than the year before. Safety features and technology become greater each year, and the used cars on the market today are not the clunky, ramblers that they once were, but very sophisticated with many great features – depending on the make and model of the vehicle, of course.

For car buyers that are interested in a great deal on an auto, they should definitely consider a used car, and there are some very good sources to purchase a used car, such as, the online auto auctions.

How to Find Online Auto Auctions

Obviously, online auto auctions are performed online, and where you will need to access to be involved in an auto auction. But, just how do you find these online auto auctions? It is quite simple, you simply browse your favorite search engine such as Yahoo or Google. The major search engines will have full listings of the online auto auctions. Simply type in your browser “online auto auctions” press click, and let the engines go to work. Within seconds you will have many results and sources to access.

A few of the online auto auctions that are reputable and are a means to get a good deal on the purchase of a used car are the following:

Car-Auction.com: Car-Auction.com is a site that is an online seized auto auction site that you will have plenty of opportunity to bid on vehicles for sale. The site has a large database of new and used makes and models of vehicles and allows you to search their database for what interests you. It provides its users with information regarding various auction sites that have what you are interested in purchasing. As with all auto auctions, the car buyer can expect to save 30 to 70 percent or more. This is a site that you will need to register in order to have full access to its advantages, but, if you are interested in purchasing an auto at a good price, it definitely is a good place to be.

Another online auto auction that you definitely will want to access is the police auto auctions that are conducted online. At the police auto auctions there are some very good bargains to be had, and some very nice vehicles, as they are vehicles that have been seized from criminals, and it isn’t unusual to find the best prices on used vehicles through these auctions.

Auction Fire is an online auction site that is no cost and offers their users links to websites where cars are up for auction. This is valuable for the bidder, as they are able to size up the vehicles in an easy way, prior to bidding on the vehicle. The site also has a message board that it uses for auction fraud alerts, which is helpful to the bidder, so that they are not scammed.

Another place that you might consider is asking your local police department if they have a website that they show the vehicles which they will be auctioning off. Many times, the local police departments have sites, which display the vehicles which will be up for auction.

eBay Motors is another auto auction site that auctions vehicles from both private parties and dealers. The advantage of eBay is that it allows their users to contact the seller and be able to ask any questions regarding the vehicle.

USA.gov/shopping/cars/cars.shtml is another site that has a variety of opportunity to purchase a vehicle at an online auction. The site lists cars from the government fleet, GSA auctions, state and local surplus property sales, and more. Once you land on the page, it will simply direct you to where you are interested in shopping for a vehicle. There are a number US Government Car Auctions happening all the time so check it out.

Tricks to Get a Good Deal at an Online Auto Auction

With the online auto auctions the bidder, most of the time, does not have the advantage of staring the vehicle or inspecting it under the hood. Therefore, it is essential to take as much precaution as possible. To know that you are purchasing a vehicle that is worth its value, then take all necessary steps, when possible, and the best advice is to get the vehicle identification number of the vehicle and perform a history check on the vehicle.

With a history check on the vehicle you will be able to find all the important information that pertains to the vehicle, such as, how many accidents it has been involved in, whether it has ever been salvaged, the number of owners the vehicle has had, past service repairs of the vehicle and so on. It is one of the most valuable documentations that used vehicle buyers can obtain and just may save you from purchasing a vehicle that is going to give you a world of trouble.

What Things to Look for Compared to Shopping in Person

Obviously, when you are shopping in person, you have the advantage of starting the engine and taking the vehicle for a test drive. You can fiddle with all the features of the vehicle and get a feel for the condition of the vehicle. When shopping online, you do not have this advantage, so it is absolutely necessary to get the VIN of the vehicle and to perform that history check on the vehicle. This is essential, and the one protectant you have that shows you the real worth of the vehicle.

Online auctions offer some great deals to be had. Take your time, approach the steps in bidding online properly, and make sure you purchase a vehicle that is worth its value.

How to Find Government Car Auctions

Each state has government car auctions; however, each state does not operate in the same way. Therefore, the first thing that is necessary is to contact your local police station to ask them where you can get a hold of government seized vehicles. This is one way to find government auctions, as the station will be able to guide you to the proper government auction houses.

Local newspapers are another source to find where and when government car auction will be and take place. Typically, the auctions are announced in the local newspaper for the area that the auctions are taking place.

Another means to finding government car auctions, is to check online. There are many online car auction services that will locate government car auctions that are being held in your area, for you. However, these services typically involve a fee, and not are a free source to obtain the information.

Various Types of Government Car Auctions:

Local police auctions: Local police car auctions are auctions that involve vehicles that have been impounded. For these types of auctions you will call your local police department and ask for the dates and details.

Federal government auctions: Federal government car auctions auction off vehicles that have been seized during criminal busts, as well as, fleet vehicles. These vehicles and auctions are consolidated under the GovSales website.

Additional government sites: There are additional government sites that help the consumer with tips on various government auctions. Guide to Federal Auctions, for example, provides various agencies that the consumer will find the auctions through as well as information on the departments’ websites. Another government site where the consumer can find information about auction sources is GSA.

Private sources: The private sources, as mentioned earlier, are online sites that are private, but provide information regarding federal and local government auto actions. Gov-Auctions provides access to both state and federal auction for a small charge.

How to Get a Good Deal at a Government Auto Auction

The trick to getting a good deal at a government auto auction is to be prepared. If you are considering bidding on a vehicle, then prior to placing the bid, inspect the vehicle. This means start it up, step on the gas, inspect the engine and listen for pings and pangs, and so on. If you do not have mechanical skills, then bring a mechanic with you to the auction. Bidding on a vehicle that looks in mint condition does not mean that it is in mint condition, and inspecting the vehicle prior to the bid is a must to ensure that you are getting your money’s worth.

Another thing about the government auto auctions is that there are vehicles up for auction that are in less than desirable shape, but, with the right attention, might be well worth the investment. If you happen to be a bidder with mechanical skills, you often times can pick up a fixer upper at a government car auction for as low as $50. That may sound insane, but it is not out of the ordinary. The vehicles do need repairs, but if you have the skill to make the repairs, provided that they are not repairs that would cost more than the vehicle’s worth, then you could walk away with a tremendous deal, and a great weekend project. For instance, if you are bidding on a vehicle in which the starter is out, has a few rips in the upholstery, and a few other minor repairs, and pick up the vehicle for $50, are able to perform the repairs yourself, you would, depending on the make and model of the vehicle, as well as, the year of the vehicle, might have purchased a very profitable vehicle.

As with all auctions, prior to a government auction, read the catalog so that you know what vehicles are being auctioned. This should be done prior to attending the auction, as it will help to keep you focused and not get swept into the adrenaline of the auction. Also, have a budget. If you know what you are bidding on, have inspected it, then set a limit, and keep to your budget, and be ready to pay for the vehicle in the event that you are the winning bidder.

Government Auto Auctions, What to Look For

When you visit a government car auction to bid on vehicles, most times they are vehicles that have been seized through drug busts or other criminal busts. Or, they may be fleet vehicles of the agency that are no longer in commission.

Government car auctions are held at different dates and locations across the United States throughout the year. Even though the government car auctions present the opportunity for fantastic deal, you still need to be careful about certain things. First, you must know the condition of the vehicle. Just because the vehicle is being auctioned off at a government auction does not mean that it is in mint condition. Some of these cars do have problems, and you must be aware of those problems, prior to placing your bid.

When you arrive at the auction to place a bid on a vehicle that you are interested in, you should arrive early. Always have your checklist in hand, which is wise to check out prior to the auction. If you have read the catalog and have found the vehicle that you are interested in then you should have the Vehicle Identification Number and have run a CARFAX report. If you did not, do it the day of the auction. Also, ask the administrator for all information about the vehicle.

Also, always be careful when bidding on a vehicle that may have the interest of the crowd. Each bid must be higher than the previous and therefore, it is easy to get swept away in the bidding momentum and you may actually end up spending more than the vehicle’s worth if you are not careful. Stick to your budget, and don’t go over.

The Yaris has been hailed in the past for its economical qualities and has won several awards. The Yaris has the Lowest Fuel Costs in its class according to IntelliChoice and is praised for being handy and versatile. The nippy little car has just been re-launched and the reviews for the new model seem promising. The Yaris has a roomy and versatile interior, the fuel economy is good and the five-star crash-test rating makes it a good choice for families.

Similar cars in the same class include the Kia Picanto. Similar to the Yaris, the Kia Picanto is a small car praised for its fuel economy. The city car is praised for having a quiet and characterful engine. The car has also just been re-launched and small car makers seem to be cashing in on the current market. First launched in 2004 the South Korean car has won several awards including awards for the design of the car.

The modern day car market is definitely on the move, with more small economical cars coming out all the time. The 21^st century consumer is more aware of fuel consumption and is more likely to ask either the car manufacturer or the seller of the car about fuel consumption.

The economical cars of today are designed to be swift, small and stylish. The lightweight nature of the car allows for the fuel efficiency and manoeuvrability. So when looking to save money when buying a car, make sure that you ask about fuel efficiency. Not only are the small cars cheaper, they are also less expensive in the long run, so in the end they will save you money. Join the nation and keep a look out for the small zippy cars that will save you money.

Essentially, all an extended warranty is is an insurance policy you take on your automobile. It is just a way to avoid those unpredictably but outrageous repair expenses. The term warranty is less accurate than insurance, in this way. However, similar to auto warranties, these do cover repairs or any sort of maintenance you encounter during the time period the policy is instated. But with the traditional warranty, you’ll purchase them as part of the product price. Extended auto warranties, on the other hand, are more like contracts. Service contracts if you will—they’ll run a separate cost and you’ll need to buy them separately as well.

Now, that doesn’t mean it needs to be done on a different day or place. In fact, you can purchase the extended warranty at the same place and day you purchase your vehicle, or even many days or months later. If you are the kind of person who needs full preparation at all times, just in case—the extended auto warranty is undeniably right for you. Especially when you consider the always rising cost of vehicular repair, the benefits of being protected are not difficult to see.

Once you determine that an extended auto warranty is the right decision for you, you’ll need to select a plan that addresses your needs. We understand this can seem a tad daunting, so we’ve listed a few points to consider below.

Your Pre-Existing Warranty:

Suppose you just purchased your vehicle brand new—examine its factory warranty and determine its value to you. For instance, suppose your warranty is for a couple of years or pre-determined amount of miles.

Well that’s fine, unless you plan on keeping it for more than a couple of years or driving more miles than what is pre-determined. If you do plan on keeping the car for a short period of time, then an extended warranty is hardly necessary. At the end of the day, it’s all about how long you choose to use the car. If you can predict your utilization of the vehicle to transcend the parameters of the original warranty, an extended plan is certainly in order. When buying a used vehicle, be aware that inherent warranties are usually packed with much less coverage. If purchasing a late-model pre-used vehicle, it may still be under original warranty or be part of a “Certified Used” program. These usually extend factory warranted to pre-owned automobiles. If your vehicle is under no (or just insufficient) warranty, the extended warranty is simply the natural choice.

The Reliability of Your Model:

It’s always a good idea to do some research before you buy. Even after you buy, it can be effective in figuring out of the extended warranty plan is a good bet. Look at how reliable the model vehicle you are buying is. While this might not be the one stop answer to determining your future repairs, it does give you a hint of what to expect, so keep it in mind when making important warranty decisions.

Warranty Provider:

Keep in mind that most warranties are only as good those who provide it to you. With an extended auto warranty, it can be backed either by an independent warranty company (or an aftermarket) or alternatively by the manufacturer of the vehicle. You’ll find that just knowing who is underwriting your policy can provide you with insight into the strengths and weaknesses of contracts you are considering. For instance, warranties backed by the manufacturer are generally much easier to use, while aftermarket values are typically cheaper. Always do additional research into the warranty practices and offerings of either the manufacturer or the aftermarket company, as the quality can differ from brand to brand, instance to instance.

Reparation Policies:

There are a few extended auto warranties that require your repairs to be done at the dealership from which it was purchased. This is nothing but restrictive and often becomes inconvenient for you. It’s ideal that you prefer a warrant that allows you some selective freedoms when choosing a repair facility, one that is more convenient for you. For instance, if you’re on vacation or a road trip and you need a repair, is it really practical to drive all the way back to the original dealership just to receive repairs? This can be a deal breaker.

Exact Coverage:

You’ll need to know exactly what is covered, and what is not, by whichever extended warranty you choose.

Does your service contract cover breakdowns and just usual wear and tear, and what are the specifics of a “breakdown warranty?” Also, a few entry level contracts won’t cover ABS brakes, which is an amenity gaining rapid popularity. If your vehicle employs the ABS feature, you’ll need to find an appropriate extended auto warranty. Additionally, overheating is usually not covered by warranties, even if it is proves to be not your fault. If an overheating fiasco is caused by a faulty radiator, you’d have quite an expensive repair bill to pay. Before investing in any warranty contract, make sure to familiarize yourself with its areas of coverage and regulations. While some contract-to-contract instances differ only in subtly, they can make all the difference in certain instances.

Cash for Repairs:

There a few different ways in which warranties can operate. With some, you pay the bill, and then send them a receipt so they can compensate you accordingly. However, as you could expect, the warranty companies relax and take a few months before sending you these hefty sums. For best results, find a warranty that pays the dealership directly via credit card.

In the long run, you just need to compare all options and weigh the odds before making a final decision in regards to warranty. Thankfully, the internet makes this considerably easy, many companies sell these contracts directly online, or at least offer instance quotes. With these features, you’ll be able to obtain a decent idea of what your desired plan will cost you. But at the end of the day it’s just like anything else, you best bet is to be very well informed.

There are of course a few common problems that you need to look for when test driving a car.

The first stage of your used car test drive should involve testing all of the functions of the car:

You need to test the head lights, heater, A/C, radio, interior lights, mirrors, brake lights, turn signals, defrost, safety belts, windshield wipers and seats for how they function.

Plus, you want to check out any additional options like electronic seats, seat warmers, GPS etc.

Starting the car:

Before you start the car, be sure to check if the car is already warm. If it is, the owner may have pre-heated the engine before you arrived so that the car will start easier… if this is the case, be aware that the car may have cold start problems.

Open the hood before starting the car. Check to see if there are any wet parts of the engine, this will tell you if there are any leaks.

Start the car and pay attention to whether the engine strains at all when starting. This may mean the battery or electrical system is on it’s way out.

Once the car has been started, go back to the engine compartment and check again for any wet engine parts. Some engines will leak only when running.

Put your hand on the fender of the vehicle to check if you feel any harsh vibrations. The car should run fairly smooth and not shake the vehicle.

Finally, if the car has power steering, make sure that the steering wheel can be moved smoothly back and forth and there are no strange noises when you do this. If there is a loud whine when you move the steering wheel this may mean the power steering pump is fried.

Test Driving the Car:

Finally it’s time to take this car on the road! Through the entire test drive process, be aware of the sounds of the car. Does the brake pedal make noise? Does the engine make a strange noise at a certain speed? Does steering the car make a strange noise? These are questions to be asking yourself the entire time you are test driving the car.

The first thing you want to notice about the car is how the transmission shifts:

If you’re test driving an automatic car, you should almost not even feel the shift when driving slowly. If the shifting takes longer than 3 or 4 seconds this is a major problem.

If you’re test driving a standard car, the shifts should be smooth and easy. If the car grinds into the next gear then the synchros are probably in need of repair.

While driving down a quiet street, take your foot off the gas and let go of the steering wheel (CAREFULLY!). If the car pulls one way or the other, there is most likely an alignment problem. Also, push the brake lightly and if the car pulls left or right under braking there is most likely a problem with the braking system.

Make sure you take the car both up and down hills. Does the car shake when braking down a hill? If so, the brakes need service. Does the car handle accelerating up a hill? Or does it cough and lose power? This could mean a number of engine problems that need to be checked out.

Finally, you need to take the test drive to the freeway:

This step is really important. Any major problems with the car are going to be very apparent when riding on the freeway.

Here are some things to look out for:

• Does the car pull to the left or right?
• The brakes pulsing or shaking when applied.
• Excessive wind noise when all of the windows are closed.
• Does the car seem to “float” around? There may be suspension problems.
• Does the engine sound normal?
• If you stomp on the gas pedal does the car cough or hesitate before accelerating?

If any of the problems above are apparent during your test drive, you should have the car checked out by a mechanic before purchasing.

Also, be sure to check out our articles on car dealer scams so that you can protect yourself when buying a used car.

Have anything to add to the list? Seen any weird problems during a test drive? Let us know in the comments below.