On a budget but need a car? No problem. Many people are struggling today with finances and may feel like obtaining reliable transportation may be out of their reach. Contrary to popular belief you don’t need to pay an arm and a leg in order to obtain a car that works. If you look around you can find some affordable options at reasonable prices. It’s best to avoid dealers since they usually do not sell cars that cost one or two thousand dollars. You will get much better prices if you buy from a third party seller.

First you will need to set a budget of how much money you are willing to spend. Write down what you can realistically afford and stick with it. This way you will have a better idea of what is in your reach financially.
If you are on a budget you will probably not be able to get the exact style and color that you want; you may have to settle. However, if money is tight then you will need to be practical. There is no point in getting a car that looks great if it is going to need expensive repairs down the line. The condition of the engine is way more important than the aesthetics of the vehicle.

Once you have your eyes set on a specific vehicle, make sure you have a mechanic inspect it very carefully before you sign the dotted line. Make sure to have all important components looked at. Items which need to be inspected include windshield wipers (turn them on to make sure they are functioning properly), windows (to make sure they are working), the AC and heating system and fluids. If the tires are worn out or balding you will need to get new ones and that will also add on to the total cost. Don’t forget to have the engine examined; have a mechanic perform a compression test if possible. Find out if the owner has kept or has access to maintenance records. Make sure that the vehicle will be able to pass the DMV smog test since some older cars tend to have difficulty passing. Ask the owner if the auto has passed testing for the previous years.

Do not ever hand over any money until you take it out for a thorough spin. You want to make sure that it actually runs and you want to get a good feel of how it handles and feels on the road. Don’t forget to test it out on the freeway as well.

When it comes to used cars, American autos tend to cheaper than import cars such as Honda, Mazda and Toyota. Older models which tend to be affordable include the Buick Regal and Chevrolet Cavalier.

So how do you find these low priced autos? Well, the easiest way is by browsing the paper and surfing online classified websites. You may also want to check out Ebay. Yes, even autos can be purchased nowadays through online auction websites. Make sure that the seller is located close by so you can check it out in person.

Times are tough and why spend more money than you have to? Purchasing a lower priced car just frees you up to spend your hard earned money on other things!

Author Bio: Written by Seton Walker. Los Angeles Volvo and Van Nuys Mazda offer great deals on new and used cars in Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley and North Hills. For pre-owned cars check out Used Cars San Fernando Valley for great deals and prices at Galpin.

Category: Automotive
Keywords: cheap cars, buy a cheap car, find a cheap car, how to buy a cheap car