1. Buyers don't get the facts on a specific used car before they buy. Before you get serious about any one car, it's important to get the facts concerning:
Reliability and Repair Record
Consumer Reports offers a section in their annual Buying Guide entitled "Frequency of Repair Records." You'll get an excellent picture of the repair records of the vast majority of recent model used cars.
If the Car Has Been Subjected to a Recall
Consumer Guide - Auto Series, publishes a Used Car Rating Guide which offers a general assessment of individual used cars, technical data, price ranges and a detailed description of the recall history.
Owner Satisfaction with the Car
In addition to speaking directly with friends who have owned the car you're considering, you might also want to turn again to Consumer Reports. It offers charts showing how their subscribers rated their satisfaction with recent model cars.
2. Buyers fall in love with the car in front of sellers. Far too many consumers fall in love with a particular car and let their desire to own that car cloud their better judgment. Once a car seller - especially a professional - knows a person is hooked on a car, that person has all but abandoned the opportunity to negotiate a good deal.
3. Buyers fail to give the car a "full" inspection. Most used car buyers don't take the time or make the effort to thoroughly check out the car. This includes having it inspected by a third-party, independent mechanic. Neglecting this step often results in costly repair bills or worse, owning a car that is not worth fixing. As part of the inspection process, it pays to order a CARFAX report on the car you're considering.