Follow these tips from the Federal Trade Commission to help you in your next used car buying experience.

Check out the car’s make and model repair record, maintenance costs, and safety and mileage ratings in consumer magazines or online. Look up the "blue book" value at a library or bank, and be prepared to negotiate the price.

Test drive the car on hills, highways, and in stop-and-go traffic.

Have the car inspected by a mechanic you hire. Check the car’s history at carfax.com.

Check out the dealer with local consumer protection officials.

Buying a car "as is," you will be financially responsible for anything that goes wrong after the sale.

Dealers are not required by law to give used car buyers a three-day right to cancel.