1. Do Your Research: Before you begin your search, make sure you know what type of car you’re looking for. Research the make, model, and year of your desired vehicle to have an idea of the price range and common issues to watch out for.

2. Set a Budget: Determine your budget before you start browsing through listings. This will help you narrow down your options and prevent impulse purchases.

3. Verify Listings: When examining a listing, make sure it contains detailed information like the make, model, year, mileage, condition, and price. Be wary of listings with poor grammar or lacking important details as they may be scams.

4. Look for Well-Maintained Vehicles: Check the maintenance history of the car in the listing or ask the seller for service records. A well-maintained car is likely to have fewer issues in the future compared to one that has been neglected.

5. Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask the seller any questions regarding the vehicle’s history, condition, or features. A trustworthy seller should be transparent and provide you with all the necessary information.

6. Inspect and Test Drive: Arrange a time with the seller to inspect and test drive the vehicle. Make sure that you thoroughly check all its components and systems, including lights, brakes, AC, engine and transmission, tires, suspension system and interior details.

7. Consider Pre-Purchase Inspections: If you’re not confident about assessing a vehicle yourself, consider hiring a professional mechanic to conduct a pre-purchase inspection. It can be an investment that might save you from costly repairs later on.

8. Avoid Remote Transactions: When possible, avoid buying a car without physically seeing it first or dealing with sellers who insist on conducting transactions remotely, as this is a common sign of scams.

9. Negotiate Price: Once you’ve conducted your inspection and confirm that the vehicle is in good condition, feel free to negotiate the price with the seller. However, be reasonable in your negotiation and base it on the fair market value of the car.

10. Get a Bill of Sale: When you’re ready to purchase the vehicle, ensure that you and the seller complete a bill of sale that includes important details such as the vehicle’s VIN, purchase price, and the names and contact information of both parties. Retain a copy of this document for your records.