Run it through Carfax, see if it’s had any major work.

I research the brands/makes.

Narrow it down to a few. Like Toyota, Mazda, Kia. Most Japanese, Korean, and German cars are good.

Then big or small vehicle? Do you have a family? Are you a solo driver? This decides SUV vs Car vs Truck.

After that milage and specific cars in your area.

And price range, my bad

check maintenance records, check oil for cleanliness, check for rust & or hard use, signs of accidents;bondo or misalignment with external gaps, etc

Do plenty of research on models you like. Google common problems with the model.

Mileage, people sell cars at 50k, 75k, 100k etc. Anything over 50k will either need or has had a major repair. Don't buy something that will need a major repair in the short term.

Once you find something that you feel good about, ask if you can take it to a mechanic for it to get an pre sale inspection. You may spend a few hundred but it may save you thousands.

Sales guys will try and get you through a four square technique. They make you say yes three times ( like the color?, like the stereo? Drives nice right? ) then pass you from sales, to finance, trying to make you feel like you can't back out.

Remember you can always say no, walk away and go else where if you don't like it.

Banks won't finance too low of value. Sometimes buying from a private buyer will often give you the most options to negotiate. Don't be afraid to negotiate.

My uncle has owned a body shop for over 60 years. Same as his relatives.

Best advice he gave me as a teen regarding purchasing a used car … “pay attention to the inside. Almost always if someone is taking care of the inside & keeping it clean they have stayed up on maintaining the car. It’s not perfect but it usually is.”

He later told me that’s how he bought “totaled” cars at auction.

Called to verify but he’s always working 🤣

Get your own inspection. Lots of mechanics offer these. Even some mobile options. Well worth the $200-300.