Buying a pre-owned vehicle can save you money and get you a great car. It's possible to find a quality used car that you can enjoy for years, if you play your cards right. However, the risk of buying a lemon is increased if you just buy the first low cost car you stumble upon. However, you're very likely to pull out a plum if you comparison shop, look up your state's lemon laws, the VIN number, and check all dealers in your locale. The first thing to do is determine what type of vehicle you would like. Know exactly what you want and how much you are prepared to pay for it before setting out to look at used cars in person. Have an acceptable number of miles in mind, along with the essential features you desire in your used car. Go through some online car sales sites and look out for the best deals available according to your requirements. This will help you to arrive at an approximate value of your desired car. Be wary. Know that deals that are too good to be true, usually are. A car that appears to be a bargain can often lead to hefty repair bills in the future. Don't forget to investigate your state's Lemon Laws. They give consumers protection for a 30 to 45 day period against buying cars that turn out to be lemons (vehicles that need multiple repairs for multiple problems). Always ensure you check the State laws regarding vehicle purchases, so that you know your rights. Aware that you have the law on your side, you gain a bit more confidence that will help you to ask the tough questions to avoid buying a lemon. Another way to avoid buying a lemon is to find the vehicles VIN number and look it up. Once you have decided on a vehicle, write down the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) which is located on the driver's side where the dashboard and windshield meet. For a cost of approximately $20 you can order a report on any vehicle for which you have the VIN. Whereas giving the car a thorough inspection tells you about the car's current state, the VIN report has details on all accidents, costly repairs, and other matters that have been reported during the car's past. When looking at the low cost of a car, don't be too quick to count out a dealer. Although it can be more expensive than working with a private individual, there are benefits to buying a car through a dealer, such as the car being given comprehensive inspection and possibly a warranty. Using a dealer is one way to avoid cars with problems. Price cannot be the only only consideration in your decision to purchase; you want to make sure that you are getting a good value, not just a low-cost lemon.