Buying Tips

10 Steps to Buying a Used Car

The cost of a used car is based on its condition, mileage, reliability, performance and popularity. Of course, you want a car that is reliable and performs well. But do you want the same used car everyone else wants? If so, you will pay a premium for it. In some cases, the only difference is the nameplate.

How much difference in price separates good-but-popular cars from the good-but-overlooked counterparts? Two Edmunds.com editors recently shopped in the family sedan class. They found that two-year-old Camrys and Accords were about $3,000 more than comparable 626s and Galants. For more on this subject read "How to Get a Used Car Bargain." If you are adventurous and want to shop for a killer deal, read "Used Car Grab Bag."