If you have never tried buying from a used car directory online, then you must be baffled which website to trust. Granted there are hundreds if not more websites selling used cars so this is a gargantuan task you have to work on.

To start, decide what kind of vehicle you are looking for. There are different websites and listings for specific vehicles. There are even new car dealers who also sell used or slightly used cars. Most of these are repossessed or returned because payments were not met.

If you are under a tight budget, you might have to look at older models with a good track record, and then there are the independent car dealers. Whichever online directory you select should be geared towards you choice of dealer. That’s just the first step.

Once you get the list, you cannot assume it’s reliable. You can check online forums outside of this website to determine feedback. It’s not a foolproof plan but it’s a good start. Look for history on return policies, lemons being sold, and over-pricing. Expect to pay more for choice on a reliable list. The general trend, as with most online directories, is that the more stringent the rules are on trading used cars, the more reliable it is.

Also, you might be asked to register to gain access to the list. There’s nothing with doing this as long as you are not required to submit private personal and financial information. After registering, why not give your search a rest for a couple of days. Some scammers would start pestering you with “great deals.” Think of this as a warning light and tread cautiously.

Before agreeing to a sale, be sure to check out the marketability of the car model and brand. Try to get a history of the car including mileage and any previous accidents. It’s important to ask for receipt or proof that the car has been undergoing regular maintenance. Most sellers keep a running file on their car and any major services it has had to go through. Finally, be ready to barter. It’s possible that you could buy your used car online for a price lower than originally advertised.