Tips on How to Buy a Used Car?

I'm researching a car too. If you are careful you might be able to find a car that lasts longer than 2 years. Check Consumer Reports for ratings for the years you want (they have a website, and your local library should have a copy of the magazine - ask the information desk) for ratings. Check Edmunds.com for reviews, True Market Value (TMV) (how much people in your area are willing to pay for the vehicle, NOT the dealer's asking price which will likely be $100s or $1000s higher than it's really worth), and True Cost of Ownership (TCO). You can also search via their website. After narrowing down your choices, get insurance quotes - you can check with your insurance company (or your family's) for each vehicle. Then, you're set to start. If you or your family belong to AAA or another club that has a car buying service you could try that route too.