How to buy a used car: 10 tips

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• 01 January 2012There are a few simple things to remember and steps to take, that will make the experience easier 
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• and assist you in avoiding being ripped-off.
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1. Set your budget

Work out how much you can afford to spend, and don’t forget to include registration, insurance and regular maintenance and running costs. Both for insurance, and if you’re going to get a loan, shop around to get the best rate.

2. Do your research

It's important to have a thorough look at what’s out there before buying a used car. To get an idea of a model’s current market price, spend some time searching our used car ads online or in your local newspaper. Also check out our price guide to help you avoid paying too much.

Be wary if you find a used car where the price is much lower than the market suggests it should be. If you’re determined to take it further, have the car checked thoroughly. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

3. Find the right car

Browse cars by body type, make or price  to find out which make and model might suit you
Go window shopping by make and model, age, location… and all kinds of other helpful details
Read our expert reviews of the car you’re looking for
Check the latest car news to see if a new model is coming -- which can reduce the price of previous models when it arrives.

4. Contact the seller

And when you do, don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions…

- how long have they had the car
- why are they selling it

10 Best Luxury Cars Under $40,000

More than a fancy badge and leather seats, today's luxury cars are surrounded by an aura of benefits including everything from personal concierge services to dealership putting greens to no-hassle loaner cars. And the cars are nice, too. The best part? You don't have to spend six figures to join the club.

Here is the first five in the list of this great cars. 

10/10  2012 Hyundai Genesis SedanSurprise! There's a Hyundai on this list of luxury cars. No, this isn't a joke and neither is the car. The Genesis has stylistic gravitas, plenty of premium touches throughout its cabin, performance chops to rival the best in class and a modest $35,050 starting sticker price. Look beyond the badge if you have to and you'll find a luxury bargain that's hard to beat.

9/10 2012 Buick LacrosseIt's as comfortable and quiet as whichever Buick your grandparents drove, but there's more spring in its step and enough available technology to pleasantly befuddle even some Gen Y drivers we know. The Lacrosse starts at $30,820 and offers continuing savings in the form of 36-mpg highway fuel economy..

8/10  2012 Lexus ISStill a relative newcomer to the profoundly competitive entry-luxury segment, the Lexus IS has proven to be a quick learner. Starting at $34,470, the Lexus IS lives up to its name as an "Intelligent Sport" sedan with its clean design, foolproof ergonomics and array of available creature comforts.

7/10 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The three-pointed star isn't just a hood ornament, it's a globally recognized symbol for luxury. Mercedes has enhanced the C-Class lineup for 2012 with a mild facelift, redesigned interior, new fuel-efficient four-cylinder turbo engine and the addition of a true coupe model for the first time. The C250 Sedan starts at $35,675, the C250 Coupe at $38,095.

6/102012 Infiniti G

The Infiniti G is fun, comfortable and super stylish, but its key strength is value. Compared to the European competitors sprinkled throughout this list, the Infiniti G can save buyers more than $5,000 for similar power and equipment. The Infiniti G lineup starts at $32,600, but even a 328-horsepower, all-wheel-drive, heavily outfitted version comes in under our $40,000 ceiling.