However, like any major purchase it can really pay off to take your time.

It's amazing the contrast you can find in prices as you look around. You want to consider the options of buying from a used car lot as opposed to buying from a

private seller. While you may pay a little more on a car lot, you also usually have

some form of warranty. If you opt for a private seller's deal, you are always buying the vehicle "as is". Take your time to check things out thoroughly.

S trands of dazzling bulbs overhead in a car lot may make a vehicle dazzle at night. Coming back to view a car in broad daylight often displays things you may have missed. Never buy at night.

M any older models that seem to have low mileage can do with a quick check of the break pedal for wear. A car that has low mileage and yet heavy wear on the rubber covering of the brake pedal can be a sign that someone may have tampered with the odometer.

A lways do a test drive before you buy.

R eally check hard for any sign of a slight mismatch of paint colour. Another thing to look for is any slight ripples in the hood, fenders or body.

T ry using a small magnet to test parts of the auto body. You can instantly identify where body filler has been used when then magnet won't stick. Make sure to check in a number of places.....wheel wells for instance.

E xtra care should be taken under the hood. Have a look at the dipstick for black thick oil that may indicate lack of maintenance. Check the Transmission fluid for the proper level. Check the air cleaner to ensure the filter is clean. Check the rad hoses for cracks and have a look at the radiator itself. Everything should be clean. Have a look under the front of the car for any sign of fluid leaks.

R eally try to have a technician look the car over if you're serious about buying it. It doesn't hurt to bring a friend along while in the shopping process. If you know someone who does body work or perhaps you have a friend who's a good mechanic, take them along with you on your hunt for a worthy vehicle. They'll be of help because they know what to watch for.

If you do your homework before you buy, you can end up with a good quality vehicle that can last quite a few years. A good way to start is to do some comparison of prices in the classified ads or your local buy and sell paper. Start with the age of the car and find out the mileage, then do your best to discover the true mechanical condition the car is in. Remember, a vehicle may be loaded with options but if it's to old or not mechanically fit, it's not worth it.

One last bit of advice......don't let an overly aggressive car salesman try and sell you something that you're not going to be happy with.

Happy Motoring!