How to search for a used car without disrupting your routine or your life.
If you're in the market to buy a used car, you need not leave home to begin the search. Car buying used to involve traipsing all over town, but no more! Today, buying a used car from home can eliminate the need for intimidating face-to-face meetings with a salesperson. The time savings is substantial and time is money. Once you've bought a car from the comfort of your own home, you'll never again take to the streets in search of that perfect used car.

Before you begin your search for a used car, do your homework.
Determine your budget, your requirements, your wish list and how far you are willing to travel for the car. Leave a little wiggle room since you can't "order" a used car.

Start your local car buying search at the kitchen table with your morning coffee and the morning newspaper.
Use time at home to search the auto buying websites and be sure to pick up those free newspapers when you're out and about, running errands.

Turn to those you know when buying a used car in your area.
Your mechanic may know more about buying cars than fixing them. Some mechanics' main trade is buying and selling cars and they can offer a wealth of car buying advice. Most mechanics have a list of customers who want to sell their cars. Next, talk with friends, family, colleagues and coworkers.

Continue your search for local used cars on the Internet.
There are several key sites that you must visit to find the greatest selection of used autos matching your requirements: Autobytel.com, Autoweb.com, CarSmart.com, eBay.com, Cars.com, InvoiceDealers.com, AutoBargains, CarAuctions.com, AuctionPass.com, CheapCarFinder.com, AmericanAutoBargains.com and Autos.yahoo.com.

Each site allows you to compare several used autos, presenting the information in easy-to-read chart format.
Start by selecting Used Car or Preowned Car. Type your Zip Code. Select the desired Make, Model, Year and Price Range, if applicable. Select your proximity preference from the Radius menu. Sort the list of available used autos matching your preferences by various criteria. Each site offers seller information or a means to contact the seller.

Check the extra goodies available on each site: Car buying tips, car buying guides, safety guides, financing guides, etc.
Sites such as Autobytel.com, Autoweb.com, CarSmart.com and Edmunds.com offer a wealth of research tools, including complete photo galleries. Check your credit at RoadLoans.com. Calculate car payments and learn all about auto financing. Be sure to peruse Cars.com extras section for insurance, warranty and accessory information. Go to CARFAX.com or AutoCheck.com to view a detailed used car history. If safety is your major consideration, explore Edmunds.com Safety Guide section, which is full of safety studies, tests and must-read articles.

Even if you don't find the used car of your dreams online, your time was well spent.
You're armed with a plethora of information when you face the salesperson at your local dealership or the private seller in your own living room and you'll be glad that you spent a few hours researching your options in the comfort of your own home.