There are several options to buy used cars. Although choosing between these options would depend on your priority and preference, you have the benefit of sorting all the listings in classified ads.

The majority of the used-car dealers provide their list of sales in classifieds. With so many options, how would you determine whose terms could provide you with the appropriate used car of your choice?

Here is a list of second-hand car buying and selling options, and each of its pros and cons.

1) Dealers:

They provide you with a guarantee of title and the best legal protection. They offer a broad selection of cars and most offer less expensive and older model cars.

On the other hand, trade-ins could not provide the best price for your old car and purchasing of used-cars could be risky since most dealers buy from taxi companies, police departments and lease fleets.

To ensure the quality of a second-hand car, visit a dealership that specializes in the makes and models you prefer.

2) Private Owners:

There are two different sides of buying from a private owner - they maintain their car regularly or they are trying to sell the car to dispose of junk. Although most privately owned used cars come cheap, you would be taking a car-investment risk with no warranty, security title and no legal recourse if you purchased a lemon.

You should ask for repair and maintenance receipts to ensure the upholding of the vehicle.

3) Car auctions:

Here you could get a good deal and save a lot of money if you really know cars and are an avid fixer-upper. Auctions also guarantee the car title.

However, you should first do your homework. Some auctions do not provide warranties, cannot let you run a test drive, and you will not be able to check the vehicle's history record.

4) Rental car companies:

Rental cars are a good deal since they are rented by vacationers, businesspersons for short trips, and are guaranteed wearing road trips. Their cars are regularly serviced and they could provide the records of maintenance history. However, even with a maintenance record, buyers would not have any idea who has driven the car before buying it. Rental cars could also cost slightly more than used-cars bought from private sellers.

Research is important to guarantee a best deal in your car investment. Avoid being scammed in the classifieds by trying the best option that would suit your needs.