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The current economy has created a buyer’s market for most purchases, including home and auto sales. Dealer incentives have made purchasing a new or a used car quite affordable. If you’re in the market for a used car, you can find even better bargains by buying from a private seller. Many car owners might be looking to sell their cars to downsize their monthly budgets or to raise cash. However, some deals might seem too good to be true because they are. Since warranties and other safeguards are not available when you buy from a private seller, there are several steps you have to take to ensure that the car you are purchasing is worth the sale price. Here are some tips:

Research the Value

There are several ways to determine if the asking price of the car is a fair reflection of its value. Tools such as the Kelly Blue Book or Edmunds.com can give you the average market value of a car based on its year, make, model, and condition. Check the value of the car you are interested in through several of these tools to get a good starting point for negotiations.

Do a Visual Inspection

There are several signs to look for that can tell you if there has been a problem with the car. Check the tread of the tires for signs of wear; look for rust and other signs of deterioration in the body; and look under the car for signs of leaking fluid. Other signs to watch for include new paint to indicate repairs after an accident, water lines on the body or interior to indicate flooding, matching VIN numbers on the dash and the door jambs to ensure the car is not stolen, and any other signs of damage such as dents, dings, and scratches.

Take a Test Drive

Driving a car can answer more questions about its condition and the personal fit than anything else that the owner says about it. Driving it can quickly tell you if there are any obvious mechanical problems. A test drive can also tell you if the car is a good fit for your personal style — whether you like the way it drives, if it handles well, and if it’s comfortable for you.

Get an Independent Inspection

Before you commit to buy, be sure to have the car checked by an independent mechanic. You can either bring the mechanic with you, or ask the seller to allow you to have the car checked before you commit to the sale. If any problems are found with the car, get a written report with estimates for repairs. This can help you to negotiate a lower price on the car, if you are still interested in buying it.

Check State Records

The car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) can be checked against state records for information about the car’s history. For example, you may be able to determine the sale history, estimates of mileage, accident reports, and problems with state inspections or emissions. You can also check the Carfax.com report for the car with the VIN for information about whether the car has been in an accident.

Before you commit to buy a car from a private seller, you should be very thorough in your inspection of the car and in the questions you ask the buyer. Find out why the car is being sold, and be sure to ask about a history of accidents, repairs, or other problems. Independent inspections and a test drive can help you to discover any other information not disclosed by the seller. Following these simple steps can help you to find a good bargain on a used car while also ensuring that the quality is worth the price.

Amanda Tradwick is a grant researcher and writer for CollegeGrants.org. She has a Bachelor’s degrees from the University of Delaware, and has recently finished research on grants for women and federal college grants.