Sometimes, you just need a car today. You don't have much money, your last car got wrecked and you want another vehicle, but not another financing payment. You set off into the world of used car dealers with a few grand in your pocket, and a bit of fear in your heart as you foresee lemons in your future. This How to Buy a Cheap Car page will attempt to help you through this with as little pain as possible.

• Set your price ceiling and stick to it

• Shop around while lots are closed

• Don't get sold on features you do not need or use

• Do not buy right away; go eat lunch first, then go back

• Carfax is only as good as what gets reported, which may not be very useful

• If the salesman won't budge, walk away.

Buying a cheap car is easy. Buying a cheap car that will last is more difficult. For every honest car dealer, there are hundreds of barkers selling cars that have seen more miles than Amtrak. However, it is a very negotiable world you are stepping into and there are ways to get out alive.

Paying cash not only allows you to leave with the car's title in hand, it also allows you to save thousands. Not just in financing charges, but in the cost of the car itself. Used car dealers are willing to drop the price substantially for a cash sale because it has no further costs to them and moves the inventory off the lot. And a car lot with many sales always has fresh inventory, which makes more car shoppers trust them.

Be flexible on your choices. Everything from the color of the car to original floor mats will raise the price. If you do not need some of the luxuries, let the dealer know. A simple "I don't care about a 6 CD changer" can sometimes negate the charge for it in order to sell you the car. However, red cars often cost more. They get people to stop at the lot and look at it, then they look at and buy something else. If you really want red though, you may just have to pay extra. Remember that the more the dealer knows about you not being picky, the more choice they will have in getting you into a car.

Car dealers will do, literally, almost anything for a sale. As long as the deal does not cost them money, they will take it. A common tactic is to tell you other people are looking at the car. This is not accurate, but not a complete lie either. People do look at it, they just may be driving by instead of shopping. Take your time and look for yourself. If you can, look up the choices you have online first. Get knowledgeable about the cars you want before you even go looking.