Buying a used car

For many of you, buying a used car can be a daunting thought.  Do I buy from a dealership or an individual?  How do I know if I buy this car it's not gonna nickle and dime me to death?

First of all, unless you buy a brand-new car or truck with a warranty, there's no way to guarantee you're not going to have to put money into it.  And some new car warranties even have a deductible so it could cost you no matter what.  Buying so-called "certified pre-owned" cars can have an advantage.  The dealership has an investment in repairing anything that they found after taking the car in and the price will reflect that.  But these vehicles come with some kind of warranty.

Buying from an individual has a few different little twists.  If the deal looks too good too be true, it probably is.  It pays to have it inspected by a mechanic, one of your choosing, not theirs.  If the seller is un-willing to allow an inspection, don't buy the vehicle.  Consider what repairs your mechanic sees into the price when you negotiate.  

Drive the car!  Or have someone somewhat knowledgeable drive the car.  And more than just right around the block.  Put 10 miles on it.  Go 55 and hit the brakes.  Does it shake?  Does it make any noise?   Look for any obvious stains under the car or anything dripping off the car.  Check the oil.  Is it clean and full?  What's the mileage on the sticker?  What are the tires like?  Are they all the same size?  Is there a spare?  I got stranded once when I was a kid the night I bought a used car with a flat, only to find out there was no spare or jack or anything.  The people who's house I ended up in front of called the State Police on me and I was given a certain number of hours to move the car, which I think cost me a $55.00 tow bill in the middle of the night.  Cover your ass.  Anything that's promised or assumed must be in writing or it's not worth anything.
And as a side note, don't carry your title in your car.  It's proof of ownership and if someone takes your car all they have to do is forge your name and they can get a title for it.
I'm sure there's more, but this is off the top of my head.
C