Here is a link to a site that offers a lot of great information -

If you are trading used for used you will not get a good deal. That being said you should look at the mileage of the car and then see if the wear on certain things like the tires and pedals are consistent with the amount of mileage. If there is low mileage but tires are worn (they should last about 40,000 miles) then either the suspension is bad or the odometer was rolled back. Run away – you don’t want to deal with that place. If the car looks OK, check the body for signs of repair. If you see any ask if it was in an accident. If you get the usual “I don’t know” go somewhere else. Assuming the car looks good now you should be asking about the price – counter with a lower offer. Ask about a warranty and if they guarantee passing inspection (if not, leave). Finally, keep in mind that it is a used car and it will need repair a lot sooner than a new car. If it has over 35,000 miles you will need brakes soon, possibly tires, probably a tune-up. Have the cooling system flushed and the belts checked and/or replaced.

Ask for maintenance records. If those aren’t available look for signs of abuse (stains on the carpet, dents, scrathes, etc.) Generally, if a person did not maintain the car well cosmetically, they probably didn’t mechanically either. Before you sign the papers, insist on taking it (alone) to another dealership, preferably the manufacturer of the car’s dealership to have it inspected. You will probably have to pay an inspection fee but it is worth it.

Put the Vin# in Carfax.com and get a full report. Also find an independent mechanic you trust to inspect the car. Ask the dealer if the car has ever been in any kind of accident and if all sceduled maintenance has been performed on time. Also ask what parts of the car have been replaced.

Here are some tips for you. Pull back the rug and check for rust inside the car. Take the oil cap off and run your finger under the valve cover to see if there is sludge. If so….don’t buy it. Look for overspray from paint which would indicate that car has been in an accident. Better yet…order a report from Carfax to see if there is any reports on accidents or recalls.

do a search on the VIN # and see if its been wrecked or damaged and repaired.