How to buy a used car?

[Belated]

So my vehicle is getting old and my family needs a replacement soon. I've read all about how untrustworthy used car dealerships can be, and seen pages about things to watch out for. But I don't think reading a few articles can really prepare me. So I'm looking for advice on what to do when I get there.

-Should I bother asking for a "Carfax"? Is it worth it? I read some cases you need to pay $35 for one, but others say the dealer provides you one for free.

-Is it true that nobody ever pays sticker price, and the price is actually negotiable?

-I keep reading that you should "get the car inspected by a mechanic", but how exactly does that work? Do I bring a mechanic WITH me to the used car lot or something?

-If somebody in my party has a smart phone, what web resources should I make use of in real-time to check up on all the cars I'm looking at?

I hope someone here has some experience in this area. I know this is a gamer's forum, but even gamers need to drive, right?

 

[Amethyst Wind]

-snip-

Well you always ask for a test drive first, to see how it sounds when running.

Does it have to be a dealership? Look in the classifieds, see if anybody is selling their car themselves.

Always verify the last time it was serviced, the condition, road tax etc. Basically ask for all the car's information to look over. If they're reluctant to give it to you then walk away.

I highly doubt that you need to take a mechanic with you. If you decide to buy then the first trip you should make in your new car is to a mechanic for a look over. If they find out it's a junker then take it back and demand a refund, you're within your rights to do so as they've sold you something that isn't road worthy.

 

[Bloedhoest]

Always test drive. Always.
When you do a test drive make sure you start with a cold engine.
If a car has some starting problems someone may try to cover up. Starting with starterspray, let it run for some time and you fall for it.

Yes, prices are negotiable. Try some nitpicking, like the tyres are old or something like that.

Check your fluids. You don't have to be a top mechanic to spot a busted head gasket. Look into the coolant reservoir, if it's murky and has stuff floating on top walk away.

Check for rust under the car. Also look at the exhaust. Gungum maybe used to juryrig a leaking exhaust pipe.

Check out the spare tyre.

Grab a wheel with both hands and try to wiggle it. If it wiggles the wheel bearing is shot or needs adjusting.

Look for different colour shades on the car. Also if all the panels line up, make sure the gap between panels is straight. The car may have been in a accident and fixed.

During your test drive make sure all the electrics work. Push all the buttons and see what happens.

Small details may tell al lot about the previous owner. And how they treated the car.

Just some things that popped into my head. And are easy to spot.
I've bought 5 used cars so far.

 

[Belated]

-snip-

Well you always ask for a test drive first, to see how it sounds when running.

Does it have to be a dealership? Look in the classifieds, see if anybody is selling their car themselves.

Always verify the last time it was serviced, the condition, road tax etc. Basically ask for all the car's information to look over. If they're reluctant to give it to you then walk away.

I highly doubt that you need to take a mechanic with you. If you decide to buy then the first trip you should make in your new car is to a mechanic for a look over. If they find out it's a junker then take it back and demand a refund, you're within your rights to do so as they've sold you something that isn't road worthy.

Well, a car can be "road-worthy" and still have problems, can't it? I'm pretty sure it's legal to sell a car that has a few components in bad condition.