Shopping for a used car is like going on a treasure hunt. There are amazing deals out there, and with the emergence of the Internet as a car shopping tool, you have every chance of finding a good deal on a car that meets your needs and fits your budget.

Before we go into detail, here’s an overview of the steps you’ll need to take to buy a used car:

1. Set your budget. Decide how much you can spend on a car and how you’re going to pay for it.
2. Choose the right car. Pick the right model based on your needs.
3. Check reliability and ownership costs. Choose a car that’s less likely to break down — and won’t break the bank.
4. Locate good used cars. Search online classifieds or do it the old-fashioned way, by walking the car lot.
5. Price cars. Use pricing guides and find out what experts say the car you’ve chosen is worth.
6. Check the vehicle history report. Use the car’s vehicle identification number to see its history.
7. Contact the seller. Save time by calling the seller and asking questions before you take a look.
8. Go on a test drive. Decide if this is the right car for you and if it’s in good shape.
9. Negotiate the best price. Use the information you’ve gathered in your car search to agree to a fair price.
10. Close the deal. Whether you’re on the car lot or buying from a neighbor, you have to handle the payment and paperwork correctly.

Step 1: How Many cars Can You Afford?

A rule of thumb: If you’re taking out a loan to pay for your car, your car payment shouldn’t be more than 20 percent of your take-home pay. If you’re sticking to a tight budget, you may want to spend even less. Used cars will need a little extra attention from time to time: new tires, maintenance and the like. And then there are the other ownership costs shoppers sometimes forget to account for, such as fuel and insurance.

If the car you’re planning to buy is out of warranty, it might be a good idea to set aside a “just-in-case” fund to cover any unexpected repairs.

Step 2: Build a Target List of Used Cars

It’s no secret that the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry make for good used cars. But they might cost a few thousand more than a comparable Ford Fusion or Kia Optima, even though these are good cars, too. So if you’re looking to save money, consider more than one brand. We suggest making a list of three cars that meet your needs and fall within your budget.

Step 3: Check Prices

Prices are driven in part by where you’re shopping. You’ll find used cars in used-car sections of new-car dealerships, independent used-car lots, used-car retailers such as CarMax and websites where private-party sellers list their cars.

Step 4: Locate Used Cars for Sale in Your Area

To find exactly the car you want, you can filter your search by many factors including the miles on the car’s odometer, its price and features, and dealer’s distance from you. Use the websites for other used-car marketplaces mentioned to save time.

Step 5: Check the Vehicle History Report

Unless you’re buying the car from a close friend or family member who can vouch for its history, plan to get a vehicle history report. This is an essential early step. If the car you’re looking at has a bad history report, the sooner you know the better.

Step 6: Contact the Seller

Once you find a good prospective car, don’t run out to see it. Call the seller first. This is a good way to establish a relationship with the seller and verify the information about the car.

Step 7: Test-Drive the Car

Test-driving a used car is the best way to know if this is the right car make and model for you. It’s also a good way to assess this particular car’s condition. So tune out distractions and focus on the car. Here are some things to check:

• Is it easy to get in and out of the car without stooping or banging your head?
• Is there enough headroom, hiproom and legroom? Remember to see how these feel in the backseat, too.
• Is the driving position comfortable? Do you sit too low, too high or just right in the car? Can you tilt or telescope the steering wheel for a better fit?
• Are the seats comfortable? Are they easily adjustable? Is there a lumbar support adjustment for the driver? How about the front-seat passenger?

• Do you see a lit “check engine” light? If so, get that problem checked out before buying.
• How is the visibility? Check the rearview mirror and the side mirrors. Look for potential blind spots.
• Use your nose. Do you smell gas, burning oil, or anything amiss?
• Check out the tires. How old are they? Is there enough tread left?
• How are the brakes? Are they doing the job of stopping the car? Do they squeak?
• Pop the hood. You don’t have to know a lot about cars to see if something looks wrong. If something is leaking, steaming or covered in oil, it’s time to ask questions.
• Does the air-conditioning blow cold? Do headlights, brake lights and turn indicators work? Test them to be sure.

After the test drive, ask the owner or dealer if you can see the service records. These will show you if the car has had the scheduled maintenance performed on time.

Step 8: Have the Car Inspected

If you like the car, consider having a mechanic inspect it before you buy. If you don’t have a mechanic, Google and Yelp are good places to read local shops’ reviews.

A private-party seller will probably allow you to do this without much resistance. Most dealerships will let you borrow a car for an outside mechanic to inspect. You’ll be paying for this, of course.

Step 9: Negotiate a Good Deal

Does the idea of “talking numbers” fill you with dread? It shouldn’t. Negotiating doesn’t have to be a drawn-out, traumatic experience. If you are reasonable and have a plan, chances are you can make a deal pretty quickly and easily:

• Decide ahead of time how much you’re willing to spend to get the car. But don’t start with this number in your discussion.
• Make an opening offer that is lower than your maximum price, but in the ballpark based on your average price paid research in Step 3. Explain that you’ve done research on Edmunds or wherever else, so you have facts to support your offer.
• If you and the seller arrive at a price that sounds good to you and is near the average price paid, you’re probably in good shape.
• And remember, the people on the other side probably hate negotiating too (even if it’s their job).

Step 10: Get the Paperwork Done

If you are at a dealership, you’ll sign the contract in the finance and insurance office. There, you will likely be offered additional items, such as a warranty, anti-theft devices, prepaid service plans or fabric protection.