Narrow Your Search

When looking for a used car, you should narrow your search to save time. Think of key features you want in the car to create a wish list. Use this wish list when you are using an online car search to filter out cars that have no appeal to you. Your wish list should include both your basic needs and the luxuries you want.

The basics that you should include in your wish list are structural things that you cannot change yourself, or would cost you too much to change yourself. An examples of these basics would be the type of car (SUV, sedan, coupe, or truck), make (GM, Honda, Toyota, Ford, etc.), engine size (4 cylinder, 6 cylinder, 8 cylinder, 10 cylinder, or 12 cylinder), and transmission (5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, automatic, or semi-automatic), AC/heater, and tires. These are all very important for you as a driver to consider in order to have a comfortable and safe driving experience.

The luxuries that you can put after choosing your basics would include anything that you do not need to properly use the car. An example of these are exterior paint, interior color, interior material (cloth, leather, or perforated leather), media (radio, TV, DVD player, navigation, and headsets), window tint, rims, and any aftermarket parts. These are luxury choices that do not affect the mechanics of your car. These are luxuries that will defiantly increase the cost of a car, so don't add what you cannot afford.

For example, I created the following wish list to look for my car. My list is very specific, but your list can be a little more general.

• Honda Prelude 97-01
• Automatic
• White or silver paint
• black cloth interior
  
• Stock rims or better
  
• Stock radio or better
• under 120,000 miles

Remember that your wish list should be realistic with your budget. Here are some links to help you with setting up your wish list.

• Media
• Aftermarket parts
• Paint cost