How to Buy a Used Car Without Getting Burned
A clear, step-by-step guide to buying a used car wisely — from setting a real budget to inspecting, checking history, handling paperwork, and knowing when to walk away.
Dana Whitlock
Cars & Ownership Editor
Dana Whitlock
Dana spent years on the consumer side of the car world, helping people avoid expensive mistakes when buying and financing a vehicle. She explains the unglamorous but crucial stuff — total cost of ownership, what to check, when to walk away — in plain English, and she's allergic to advice that only helps the seller.
Articles
9 articles by Dana
Dana Whitlock
What to Check When Buying a Used Car: The Walk-Around Checklist
A practical inspection checklist for viewing a used car — exterior, tires, fluids, interior, and the sounds and feel of the test drive — plus why a professional pre-purchase inspection pays for itself.
Dana Whitlock
Total Cost of Ownership: What a Car Really Costs You
The price tag is only the start. Learn the real costs of owning a car — depreciation, insurance, fuel or energy, maintenance, and taxes — and how to compare two cars honestly.
Dana Whitlock
New vs Used Car: The Honest Trade-Offs
Should you buy new or used? An honest look at depreciation, warranty, reliability, and price — and a simple way to decide which one actually fits your life and budget.
Dana Whitlock
Car Financing Basics: How a Car Loan Actually Works
A plain-English introduction to car financing — how a loan relates to the car's value, the trade-offs of short vs long terms, and the total-cost trap of stretching payments out too far.
Dana Whitlock
How to Negotiate a Car Price Without Playing Games
A calm, plain-English guide to negotiating a car price: do your research, focus on the out-the-door number, let silence work, and stay ready to walk.
Dana Whitlock
Leasing vs Buying a Car: How They Really Differ
A clear, plain-English breakdown of leasing vs buying a car — ownership, mileage limits, long-term cost, and flexibility — to help you see which fits your life.
Dana Whitlock
When to Sell Your Car (and When to Keep It)
Plain-English signs it's time to sell your car versus keep it — weighing repair costs against value, reliability, and changing needs — plus how to prep for a sale.
Dana Whitlock
Avoiding Common Car-Buying Scams and Red Flags
A plain-English guide to spotting common car-buying scams — curbstoning, title washing, fake escrow, and pressure tactics — and protecting yourself from them.
Dana Whitlock