The used car market can be complicated to navigate, especially if you lack a good deal of experience with cars. Buying a car from a main dealer can be scary enough, so if you are approaching a used car dealer, there are going to be a lot of things to look out for.

Used car dealers are generally very skilled when it comes to masking or hiding issues with cars, so getting the best deal can be a challenge. We are going to take a look today and not only getting a great deal and what to look out for. We are also going to look at how to get the most out of the car after you have purchased it. 

Get The Right Dealer

The best possible tool in your box when it comes to car buying is the internet. Doing research online about any potential car dealer is essential. The glorious thing you do have access to is Google, and that is your pathway to the truth.

If there is one sector that people are vocal about, it's the car industry. People will openly leave reviews about cars, dealers and everything else in between to ensure that others know their opinion. 

The dangerous thing to watch out for, though is dealers reviewing their own business; this is generally easy to spot as all the reviews will be noticeably similar.

Once you have found the dealer you are happy with, and they have the car of your choice, it's now time to investigate this car with some real gusto. If the car is available to view by appointment only, then you should hold an extra air of caution. While this may not mean anything bad, it does give the dealer time to prepare for your arrival.

When you arrive, you should touch the bonnet; if the car is warm, it's been started before you got there and the dealer is probably trying to hide something.

Another tip is to test drive the car more than once. Test drive it when you get there and then again before you agree to any sale. If the dealer agrees to this happily, that's a good sign. Car dealers are experts at hiding issues for the time of a test drive, if there is a caution or a simple no when you ask to test drive again, then walk away. 

If all seems great, then it's time to haggle with the price, remember, this car will be price bump of around 20% on the car, so you should always be sure to get at least 5% off the screen price. 

Take Care Of The Car

Now you have your car; it is best to give it a complete once over. If you aren't overly savvy when it comes to cars, you should take it to an auto repair shop. A good mechanic will be able to tell many car issues from a very quick inspection.

While it may seem like an additional cost, it shouldn't be any more than the 5% you saved on the screen price and let's face it; you cannot put a price on peace of mind. 

The next and most important thing you will want to do is to detail the car. Cleaning and detailing the vehicle not only makes the car feel more like your own, but it also allows you to get to know the car a little bit more.

The great thing about used cars is that they don't lose as much money as when you buy a new car. Buying a new car in today's market can be quite silly, from the very second you drive away in a new car, you lose money.

When you buy a used car, however, you can, in fact, make money. While making money is not always the case, a well looked after car will always provide a good return on investment. 

It is of the highest importance to have oil changes and filter changes completed regularly by a qualified professional and also the ECU checked regularly too. 

By taking care of small little issues like this regularly, you eliminate the overall chance of being hit by an enormous repair bill. 

If there is one thing that should always be remembered about a car, it's this; a car will look after you to reflect how you look after it.