Do your research and ask the right questions before you buy

DON'T - You know the kind. They set up shop on tiny lots in city areas, with streamers and cars parked hither-dither. Stay away from used car salesmen because most get the used vehicle dregs at the vehicle auction -- after the large new car dealerships with used vehicle sections work over the picks.

DON'T - Don't ever go out without research done and questions ready to ask. Most people don't ever remember the questions they were going to ask, so writing down five or 10 questions will keep you focused on the task at hand.

DON'T - Try not to purchase used car information on the Internet, unless it's a vehicle report about that specific vehicle, by VIN. Most information about used, or new, vehicles is available at no charge from a variety of third-party and government web sites.