Decide* This is your first step when making an offer on a used car. You need to know what you are willing to spend on this purchase. If you are gonna make an offer on a used car you must have an idea what you will spend and what you will not spend. I say work with a range within your limit. Say for example if you want to spend say 2,000 dollars than your range could be 1,500 dollars to 2,000 dollars. Also please include title fee, taxes, and plates in your used car budget as well.
Look* This can be done in so many ways. Newspaper, Friends, Bulletin Boards, Car Dealerships, Craigslist, and even Ebay if you would like. I prefer using through word of mouth or the newspaper.
Excute* Take a look at more than one used car that way you have options instead of putting all your thought into one car. This way you can offer on one but still have a chance to buy another if that deal does not take place.
Make Offers* To me this is the fun part, before you make an offer always test drive the car and make sure it is something you want. That way the person knows you are serious and not just playing around. Now do not make the offer right after you see the car, this is my opinion you want to think hard about what you are willing to pay. This is where having more than one car in mind because when someone is selling a used car they are not gonna hold a car for you. Let the owner know you are interested but need to think about it as well. Now once you have an amount that you are willing to pay call them and let them know what you are willing to pay for the car. Some people will say no, but that's okay because you are looking to get the best deal.
It never hurts to ask if the person knows anyone else selling a car within your range either. This may seem like a bad idea but you never know what the person may be willing to share. Dealers will even do this if they know someone selling what you want to pay.
After you make an offer on a used car wait if they are not sure or let them know if they do not sell to contact you. This is a follow up and is okay to do that way they still have you in mind if they are unable to sell the car they will remember you. Always be respectful when talking to anyone selling a used car. This can go a long way as well. I hope this helps and feel free to leave me comments and rate me as well.