The first question you should ask if you're looking to buy a used car is How good your bargaining skills are ? If you've been out there checking out the lots of used car dealers, you should know those salesmen know how to do their job. So, what's the smart way of purchasing a used car without getting taken for a ride?

First of all, do never start off offering too little. That's one of the safest ways to get taken.

And never take the first offer the seller gives you either. You must always keep in mind your personal finances and budget.

You should also know what the car your looking at is worth, before you enter the used car dealer's store.

Ever heard of the Kelley Blue Book? This is a catalog that has all kinds of cars, listed by year, and their values. If you are thinking of buying a used car, it's a good idea to get a copy and compare prices. You can take advantage of knowing about the car when you are bargaining. If the seller doesn't like your offer, ask them for a counter offer. Look at the car carefully and try to find any faults that you can. For instance, a little damage here or there, any kinds of problems you can find, and use that as leverage when you are bargaining. If you can point those things out, it shows that you are shrewd and observant, and it will bring the price down. So, you can use the costs of fixing these various problems to lower your counteroffer. In the end, make sure there are no outstanding financial claims against the car, like an unpaid bank loan.

Check with the local Department of Motor Vehicles to find out what legal paperwork you will need. Different states have different regulations as far as smog control and things like that, and you will also need to title of the car and an official statement showing how many miles the vehicle has on it. The seller has to give you this, according to federal law. Most states require the seller to contact the DMV to tell them that the vehicle has changed ownership. Usually, you have to change the registration.

The best and safest way to pay for the vehicle is with a money order or a cashier's check. Ensure that the seller signs the title on the vehicle. This is the action that legally changes the ownership from the previous owner to you. Whenever possible, you should get a warranty from the seller. It's always safer to have a written warranty in case there are unforeseen problems.