By purchasing a used car, you can save a lot of money. A new car depreciates quickly in the first few years and after 3 years, it is worth only about 60-70% of the original price. In fact, as soon as you leave the dealership, your new vehicle is suddenly worth $1000-$2000 less. It’s true in general, a new car requires less maintenance in first few years and most of the problems occurred within the original warranty coverage period will be covered by the car manufacturer. Yet, buying a new car does not always mean the buyer will get perfection. A new car may come with problems associated with poor design or manufacturing defects that may have been already repaired during the warranty coverage period if it’s a used car. The same is true for all kinds of recalls and service campaigns.
Buying a used car is still a bit of a gamble - there is no guarantee that the car is accident-free, has real mileage, and was properly maintained. There may be some hidden problems like a worn out automatic transmission, or engine problems that may not have been obvious when you test-drove the car. Maintenance costs are higher for a used car and manufacturer’s warranty may be already expired. However, used cars are more reliable these days and there are number of ways to reduce the risks associated with used car buying. For example, you can check the used car history records and have a used car properly inspected by a knowledgeable person prior purchase. If the car qualifies, you can buy an extended warranty to protect yourself from unexpected repair costs. You also can opt for a manufacturer-certified used vehicle - many manufacturers now offer late model used cars under Certified Pre-owned programs where they inspect and recondition qualified used cars and often provide an additional warranty coverage with them. Check our used car buying guide for more tips.

SaferCar.gov - crash-test and rollover ratings for specific models by NHTSA

IIHS - the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety website where you can compare frontal offset and side impact crash test results as well as Injury, Collision & Theft Losses and Fatality rates for different cars.

J.D. Power and Associates - they offer new and used car ratings.

Consumer Reports - provides excellent data (paid subscription required)

However, be aware, even most reliable model car won’t last long if not maintained properly.

For Canada: The Office of Energy Efficiency.

Car classified :

AllUsedCars.com - Searchable database of used cars with photos, consumers may list their vehicles for sale.

AOL Autos - Used Cars - Local listings for buyers and sellers of used cars.

AR-Auto.com - Consumers may search or place ads for automobiles, auto parts and participate in auctions.

Australian Netbikes - Worldwide motorcycle classifieds, free want to find ads, dealer index, vintage tests and spare parts.

Auto Inventory Online - Vehicles available from individuals and dealers.

Auto Protection - Searchable database of new and used vehicles for sale by private party and dealers, where consumers may buy or sell.

Auto Round-Up - Offering free advertising to private owners. Buying, selling, trading, antique and classic.

AutoBase - Classifieds for new and used vehicles featuring the inventories of dealers throughout the U.S.

AutoInterface Used Cars - Listings of used cars for sale by private owners and dealers, consumers may post free vehicle wanted ads.

AutomobilesForSale.com - Consumers may review or place vehicle advertisements.

AutoNetClassifieds.com - Links to sites providing photo ads of used vehicles for sale by individual sellers and dealers.

Autopm - Buy and sell used cars. Database searchable by zipcode, make and model.

AutoSeekandSell.com - Buy a listing which stays until the vehicle is sold (private parties only). Services include searching ads and dealer inventory, and tips for going through the buy/sell process.

AutoTrader.ca - Listings for cars, trucks, RVs, motor bikes, ATVs and boats, across Canada. Includes personalized members area, and listings of local auto dealers.

The Big Lot - Database of used vehicle available from private sellers. Consumers may list or locate vehicles for sale.

BrickBoard - Database of used Volvo vehicles, parts, tools, tires and wheels.

2BuyCars.net - Searchable auto photo ads. Consumers may buy or sell vehicles.

Calling all Cars - Photo ads for buying used vehicles from private sellers or listing one for sale.

C.A.M.R.E - Classic, antique, muscle, race, and, exotic vehicles and collector cars for sale nationwide. Listings are searchable by state.

Car Buyer - Used vehicles for sale, may be searched by make and state.

Car MarketPlace - A free auto classified website with many features and user-friendly interface. Also offers professionally designed websites and hosting for auto dealers.

Car Search - Listings of used cars for sale by private owners and dealers

CarLocate.com - Nationwide classified listings of new and used vehicles.

Cars Extreme - Offers classifieds and dealer listings. Includes car related links.

1001 Cars for Sale - Photo classifieds of used cars for sale nationwide, including classic cars, SUV's and trucks.

cars.com - Comprehensive site with vehicle profiles, dealer locator, and financing information. Includes an area to place or browse personal sales listings.

Cars-n-Bikes - Used vehicles organized by type.

Chevy Trader - Chevrolet only classifieds. Consumers may buy or sell vehicles and parts.

ClassyAuto.com - Marketplace for exotic, luxury, special interest and classic cars.

Collector-Car-Classifieds.com - Specialty classified ads site for collector and classic cars along with other vehicles.

CorvetteTrader.com - Listing Corvettes for sale by owners.

First Trade Registry - Listings of used classic, performance and sports cars and trucks available for purchase.

Hot Auto Deal - Searchable used vehicle listings from private parties.

Jeep Classifieds - Online classifieds reserved exclusively for Jeeps. Sections include all models as well as dealers, parts and want ads.

JeepBrokers.com - Buy or sell a jeep including parts and other resources.

LimosDirect - Venue for buyers and sellers of new and used limousines to locate a vehicle to purchase or list theirs for sale.

Local-Cars.com - Classified service offering used vehicle listings.

Luxury Car Network - Brokerage service that maintains a national classified database of used vehicles.

MotoSeller.com - For sale by owner vehicle ads, consumers may search listings or place an ad to sell vehicles.

OmegaMotors.com - Used vehicle marketplace featuring a database of vehicles available from consumers and dealerships.

PonyTrader.com - Mustangs for sale from private owners. Also features Mustang parts for sale.

RepairableVehicle.com - Ads for repairable or rebuildable wrecked vehicles.

Select Motor Company - Ads of vehicles available from private sellers and dealers, photos of most vehicles.

Showcase Publications, Inc. - New and used vehicle classified ads for Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Florida, New York and New Jersey.

Smart Auto Search - Lists vehicles available from used car dealerships and private owners.

TakeMyPayments.com - Database of vehicles with sellers willing to allow their loan or lease to be assumed. Consumers may also list their vehicle.

TruckTraderOnline - Marketplace for used pickups, trucks, trailers. parts and accessories. All classes and makes. Consumers may place free or paid ads.

Used Cars And Trucks - Photo ads of used late model and collectible vehicles available for sale by individuals and dealers.

Used Cars On-Line - Photo advertisements of used vehicles made available for sale by private party sellers from across the US.

Used Trucks Central -Listings for used commercial trucks.

UsedCars.com - Searchable database of used cars for sale online by owner and by dealer.
Used Car classifieds - Listings for used cars and commercial trucks.

UsedCorvettesForSale.com - Corvette only classified ads. Includes wanted, parts and dealers.

UsedMustangsForSale.com - Classifieds featuring classic and late model Mustangs.

Vettes - Searchable database of used Corvettes for sale by owner.

4x4ads.co.uk - Offers advertisements for Land and Range Rover spare parts and vehicles.

Yahoo Autos - Searchable database of autos for sale, with photos of most vehicles. Consumers may place ads to sell vehicles.

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