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Getting the best deal on a used car

If you're in the market for a used car, you'll need to shop smarter to get a bargain. Our strategies will help you find the values and negotiate a good deal.

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With gas prices on the rise again, the higher the fuel economy, the higher the markup. That means smaller vehicles, hybrids and even small crossovers are hot. The disaster in Japan is also limiting supplies and pushing up prices. Even so, there are more gas-sippers to choose from than there were when gas prices spiked in 2008 -- the number of hybrids alone has nearly doubled. And increased competition for small cars in the new-car market is helping to set a ceiling on used-car prices. (In a few cases, buying new may beat buying used.)

If you value space over fuel economy, it's likely you can find a good deal on a full-size car, says Keith Griffin, who writes the guide to used cars at About.com. Ditto for medium to large SUVs and crossovers. But note that you won't see the bargain-basement prices of 2008, when consumers rushed to dump their big SUVs.

Manufacturers cut back on production, so there are fewer available now. Automakers heavily curtailed truck production, too. Prices for used full-size trucks are up 15% from last year, according to Joe Spina , senior manager of remarketing at Edmunds.com. "There are enough people who really need these vehicles, and that's keeping prices high," he says.

No matter what type of vehicle you're shopping for, a few tips may help you score a better deal. Mark Scott , of AutoTrader.com, recommends looking at models that were recently redesigned, such as the Honda Civic. If the used model doesn't look the same as the new model, prices are likely to be a bit lower. If you're shopping for a hybrid that has a gas-engine counterpart, shoot for a four- or five-year-old model; these hybrids tend to hold their value for the first three years and then fall off.

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Bad drivers might have bad driving habits, but not all are accident prone. Some driving records prove this fact. But not all car insurance companies see it this way. Many think bad drivers are simply more dangerous and therefore a bigger risk. They have to cover their own risks, after all.

If you feel your car insurance company is charging you an unfair rate due to a bad driving record, or an unfair driving infraction, speeding ticket or failure to obey a traffic signal, shop around for a better car insurance rate. Bad driving records are not the end of the world. Get your free auto insurance quote from Esurance in minutes & start saving today!

The best way to find lower insurance rates for bad drivers is to shop around using the internet. This is the easiest way to get more rate quotes at once and compare them all side by side. The most effective and complete resource is Esurance, even for bad drivers. Esurance offers you lower rates and compares rates using the information you enter about your driving record, accident history and your car. It shops for you and comes back with a lower rate right away. It only takes a few minutes to complete the short form. Just start with your zip code in the box to the right. Or, click the link below.

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A bad driving record can increase your insurance rates by as much as 20 percent or more. Depending on your carrier, the cost of your insurance goes sky high. Driving safe is not always enough. Make sure you don’t fall victim to bad driver insurance hikes. Keep yourself insured at a price you can afford and get a better rate today. Companies will ensure drivers who have bad driving records and no accidents at reasonable rates. If you are paying too much for car insurance, the only answer may be to find a new insurance company, switching today may save you hundreds, especially if speeding tickets and other driving infractions are pushing your insurance rates sky high.

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Automobile Fraud, odometer tampering, lemon laundering, and concealment of salvage or other adverse history. 2008 supplement

Used Car Buying Guide 2005

Consumer Reports Used Car Buying Guide

Buying a Car on the Internet

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