There aren't many "used cars" anymore -- they are all "previously-owned," "near-new" or "gently-used" vehicles. Not only do used cars have new names, they have shiny new images. Thanks to industry efforts, the public's perception of used cars as beat-up clunkers sold by sleazy guys in white socks and belts from lots where the office is a shack is fading. Now a customer can expect recent-model vehicles available from clean-cut salespeople in offices equipped with computer terminals.

Many of these changes are the result of the new-car industry's push to lease new vehicles. More cars than ever before are being leased. In part, this is due to the high price of new cars as well as the desire of the public to drive more luxurious vehicles than they can afford to buy. Most new-car leases last two to three years at which time the "owner" brings in the vehicle to exchange for a new model, leaving the seller with a "used car" to resell. This vehicle is then cleaned up, tagged "near-new" and put in the used-car inventory.

Call them what you will, used cars are big business, a $324 billion business. As many as 45 million used cars will be sold in the United States this year. That's nearly triple the number of new cars that will be sold. Buyers who previously purchased only brand new cars are now looking seriously at "previously-owned" vehicles because of their high quality and the warranties offered by the automakers and dealerships. Shoppers once embarrassed by relegation to the used-car lot are now looked upon as shrewd consumers.

Yet buying a car is still an emotional decision. Bob Storck, author of several articles in the USED CAR BUYING GUIDE and purchaser of over 400 cars during his lifetime (99 percent of them used), says only a handful of his buys turned out to be disappointments and "those were ones where I let emotion and enthusiasm overcome good sense." His articles are full of good, sensible advice on "Buying Used Versus New Evaluating A Used Car" and "Where To Purchase" a car that will suit your needs and serve you well. He's also written a sidebar article on the flip side of buying a used car -- "Selling Your Used Car.

The USED CAR BUYING GUIDE begins with the steps to take when purchasing a pre-owned vehicle, an explanation of the benefits as well as the drawbacks of buying both new and used vehicles and ends with an article on buying collector cars written by Brenda and John Priddy, a couple who have "been there, done that and are still married."

Throughout the USED CAR BUYING GUIDE are articles such as "Selecting The Correct Make and Model" (Joanne Brickman's take on choosing the correct car for your situation), "Buying Smart" and "Negotiating a Good Deal" (sharp advice from Jean Swenson) and more. "Buying and Leasing" by Michael Kranitz offers a complete guide on how to pay for the car or, as the article's sub-head puts it -- "Securing the Money To make Your Tires Spin." Writer Carl Andrews deals with a very controversial consumer issue in his article, "Used Car Warranties: To Buy Or Not To Buy."

Additionally there are several useful tools to help with the shopping process. A handy "Evaluation Check List" will serve as a reminder of all the things to check when looking over a candidate vehicle. It can be printed right from the Guide any time it's needed. Additionally, we've provided a "Motor Vehicle Bill Of Sale" that can be used to consummate the deal. We've also included important, hard-to-find information on what to do when you have a problem. "Manufacturer's Appeal Network" offers detailed advice and a list of contact numbers for all automakers. And there's more.

Used Car Buying Help From The Internet" by Sandra Kinsler is full of great links for used-car shopping help from cyberspace and " Razzmatazz: The Secret Language of Car Salespeople" by Brenda Priddy and Paul Grant is key to communicating with car salespeople in their very own language.

Buying a previously-owned vehicle is a challenge. As with any decision-making process, good preparation is the best insurance for a good outcome. Knowledge is power! The steps offered here are designed to help with the used-car buying experience. Following them in order is recommended.

The Steps To Buying A Used Car

1. Decide It Is Time To Buy A Car

The decision to buy a car is a personal matter. Your vehicle is starting to cost more than it's worth. Your teenager needs a car to get to a part-time job, or she/he is going off to college. You need reliable transportation to that great new job across town. Maybe a status vehicle to announce your success. A second car is needed in the family to get the kids to their various activities. There are a zillion reasons to buy a car. What is the one that will cause you to begin searching?

2. Decide Whether To Buy New Or Used

The strongest reason to buy a used vehicle rather than a new one is cost. With the average price of a new car over $20,000 and rising, it is not hard to find an "almost-new" car for less money. There's also the advantage of getting a nicer used vehicle for the price of a new one. But there are also some very good reasons for buying new. Before you make any decision, though, read Bob Storck's "Buying Used Versus New" and Jean Swenson's "The Cost of Used Car Ownership." Bob weighs the benefits and drawbacks of both new and used vehicle purchases and Jean discusses the cost of ownership with a big-picture perspective.

3. Decide The Type Of Car That Fits The Bill

To enhance your life, a vehicle must work to support your lifestyle. Certain vehicles work well for families (sedans, station wagons, minivans, sport utility vehicles) and some are better for a single lifestyle (coupes, convertibles, compact pickups, sports cars). Just thinking about buying a car can be emotional but it shouldn't interfere with making a logical decision. Receive guidance evaluating transportation needs by reading "Selecting the Correct Make and Model" by Joanne Brickman.

4. Determine Specific Makes And Models.
Research Each For Features and Engine Size

Having chosen the type of vehicle that suits your lifestyle, it's time to look at the makes and models that fit this profile. Use this step to closely analyze the features (air conditioning, power windows and door locks) and the size of the required engine. "Selecting the Correct Make and Model" covers this subject and will assist in making good decisions.

5. Consider The Costs Of Owning And Operating The Vehicle.
Research Insurance, Maintenance, Gas Demands And Other Costs

Budget is a personal matter. It's also a matter to be dealt with realistically. Take an honest look at what you can afford to spend for transportation. Read "The Cost of Used-Car Ownership" for a review and reminder of costs involved with owning a car. The article by Jean Swenson, "Buying Smart: Resolving Used Car Shopping Concerns" is another good resource for determining what is affordable.

6. Determine Whether To Buy Or Lease And Sources For The Money

Buying a used car is very different today than it was a few years ago. The quality of vehicles at dealerships is much improved. While you can still save a good deal over the cost of a comparably-equipped new car, a previously-owned vehicle can be priced at the low end of the new-car marketplace. There are many new financial opportunities to consider when acquiring a used car. Leasing is now an option in this new era of used-car buying. This step requires an updated look at today's financial options. "Buying and Leasing: Securing The Money To Make Your Tires Spin" by Michael Kranitz will provide this information.

7. Look For Cars, Test Drive, And Have Them
Evaluated By A Mechanic

There are dozens of places to look for used cars. "Where to Purchase: Options for Locating Used Cars" by Bob Storck is the place to begin. This step also includes the important test drive and evaluation. Bob's article "Evaluating A Used Car: Finding a Sound Vehicle ," details this process thoroughly, including advice on selecting a mechanic to help check out the vehicle. Remember to print out the "Evaluation Checklist" included in the Guide to stay on track.

8. Negotiate, Make A Deal, Seal It With A Written Contract,
Get The Title, Take Possession And Register The Vehicle

Nervous about negotiating a used-car deal? Jean Swenson's " Negotiating a Good Deal" will show you the way to success in this portion of this step in the car buying process. The Guide includes a "Motor Vehicle Bill Of Sale" that you can use to consummate the deal. This step is also the place to decide about buying a warranty for your car. For help, read "Used Car Warranties: To Buy Or Not To Buy" by Carl Andrews.

To be in the best possible position during negotiation, it's necessary to have a good idea of a fair price for the vehicle. For years, the industry standard for car pricing has been the Kelley Blue Book. It can be found, when requested, at dealerships, banks or credit unions. Today, Kelley Blue Book pricing, going back to model year 1978, is also at your fingertips on the Internet at the Kelley Blue Book web site at http://www.kbb.com.

There are two pricing modes: trade-in value and retail value. Each requires the answer to several questions -- your zip code to factor in cost differences in various part of the country, the vehicle's general condition and mileage, a check list of features -- making the pricing as accurate as possible. When entering in this data or looking at it in the books, first locate the year, make and model of the vehicle. Next find the listing for condition (i.e. excellent, moderate, poor) and the mileage. That information will provide both the trade-in and retail values. Next read the information on the value of various features (sunroof, electric windows, air conditioning) and model version (i.e. XL, DL, deluxe). Any feature above and beyond the standard package offered by the automaker will make the vehicle more valuable. Just add the corresponding amounts to the trade-in and retail values.

There are many web sites providing information on calculating a fair price for a used vehicle and they can be found in the article "Used Car Buying Help From The Internet." It is important to visit a few different sites because each will provide a slightly different rate for trade-in and retail values. This will help in providing a range for each and support the negotiation process. In addition, when working with a dealership, ask to see the National Automobile Dealer Association [http://www.nadaguides.com] publication on used car pricing. And, be sure to check local classified ads to see how much similar vehicles are selling for in your area. Thorough pricing research is good insurance for successful negotiating.

9. Get Insurance And Take Care Of Your Vehicle

Jean Swenson offers advice on insurance in "The Cost of Used Car Ownership." Joanne Brickman gives tips on vehicle care in " Maintaining A Used Car." Good luck as you complete this final step of the Process of Buying a Used Car in a New Era. The authors are confident of your success!

The USED CAR BUYING GUIDE is an educational tool that not only offers a clear explanation of the used-car industry, it spells out the process required to make a rational buying decision. Whatever the subject, whoever the author, special attention is given, where appropriate, to the woman buyer. Issues like personal safety take on special meaning when a woman meets a seller outside the dealership setting are explored. While the issue of chauvinism is nearly under control in the new-car arena, many used car salespeople still have a ways to go. Fortunately, with the progressive changes in the used-car industry, attitudes toward the woman car buyer (and toward used car buyers in general) are also improving. Still, it continues to be vital for women and men to be knowledgeable and well-prepared before entering the used-car buying process.