Any car bought from a used-car lot should be diagnosed by a professional to check for flaws. This might cost around $100 - well worth the money if the car is over $5,000. Another red flag is any car that says low mileage. Is it really low mileage or just a new speedometer that has a zeroed-out mileage meter? Always bring someone with you that knows about cars when buying a used car. When buying a new car, be sure to shop around for the best price.

Weekends are bad times to buy a car. The prices of cars are automatically raised on the weekends due to the volume of customers. Dealers can stick by their high prices if business is flowing, but on a slow day, dealers are more desperate for a sale and are more inclined to lower the price.

Remember to check out all the car's accessories. If you're shopping on the weekend and the accessories are locked away until Monday then wait. It's better to be cautious then to buy a ripped canvas top or plastic window.

When picking a car, always consider how you feel in the car. How does it feel to drive down the road?  Does the seat and interior suit you? Does the car upset you when it bounces? Would you prefer a smoother ride? Are cup holders important to you? What's your favorite color?

As trivial as these things sound, buying a car shouldn't mean settling for what's on the lot. Even the little things are important when you're offering a lump of your savings or future wages.

Settle for a part time job, settle for the top bunk at summer camp and even settle for the smaller room in the apartment, but never settle for a car that you're about to buy, especially if it's used.

Buick

Miller Buick-Oldsmobile 2303 Esplanade, Chico (530) 342-6463

Cadillac

Courtesy Motors 2520 Cohasset Rd, Chico (530) 345-9444

Chevrolet

Whitmeier 2292 Forest Ave., Chico (530) 343-4444

Nissan & Hyundai

Chico Nissan-Hyundai 575 Manzanita Ave., Chico (530) 891-1777

Chrysler-Plymouth

Courtesy Motors 2520 Cohasset Rd, Chico (530) 342-2481

Dodge, Mazda, Toyota

Chuck Patterson 200 East Ave., Chico (530) 895-1771

Ford

Courtesy Motors 2520 Cohasset Rd, Chico (530) 345-9444

Larry Geweke Ford 871 E. Onstott Rd., Yuba City (530) 821-2121

Isuzu

Whitmeier 2292 Forest Ave., Chico (530) 895-8181

Jeep, Pontiac, GMC, Subaru, Volvo

Courtesy Motors 2520 Cohasset Rd, Chico (530) 345-9444

Cruces Classic Auto Sales 720 Main St., Chico (530) 345-9779

Anderson Custom Classics 893-2801

The Car Collection 2621 Esplanade, Chico (530) 899-1999

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