Here are steps you should take to sell or buy your next car either on the Internet or at a dealer.(Sorry can't use URL on ebay so you must guess or search for these sites on google).

1-For car ratings and reliabilty you can check on (car rating and review websites).

2- Check Gas milage on any car or truck models on (fuel economy website offered by the government). Sorry can't use URL on ebay so you must guess or search for these on google.

3-Check invoice, retail, wholesale, or trade-in value on (car value websites).

4- It's a good Idea to get the real high, average and low selling price on (auction or car classified advertising websites) the trick is to use nationwide search by choosing any distance from your zipcode. example: looking for a used 2000 Ford mustang,  search (from year 2000 to year 2000 and click any distance from your zipcode), check the bottom of the page for High, Average and low selling prices.

5-Southwestern used cars have less rust due to better climate.

6- There are plenty of website selling new cars www.ebay.com with the elimination of the middle man however you must do your home work for getting the best interest rate and retail price.

7- Remember car dealers can get you more than one way.   1- Jacking up the retail price 2-Jacking up the interest rate\months 3-Paying less for your trade-in  4-Selling you expensive options, upgrades, insurance and extended warranty.

8- When buying a used car always check the history on using (carfax websites) and if there are no records and the milage is to good to be true, take a close look at the brake\clutch pedal for excessive wear on the rubber.  Stay away from cars with no service or history records.

9-  Beware of salvaged title cars which have almost a half the retail price value.  Always ask for a before and after photo.

10-Always consider the operating cost.  A popular car has a higher theift rate so insurance is always higher.  A  $6,000 reliable used car with a 25 mpg can save you more money than a new $26,000  hybrid car (50 mpg) if you are going to keep it for a short period of time. Do the math,  $20,000 can buy alot of gas unless you are trying to make political statement.  The problem with celebrities driving hybrids is they live in mansions with more than 10 rooms.   The gas and electric bill is 10 higher than the average consumer.

11-  New car  depreciation is highest in the first 4 years, so you get more car for your money on a 2002 model  for the 2006 year.  Unless you have an extra million dollar then you should go for that $80,000 dollar Luxury or sports car.  Remember a $400-$600 per month car payment can be invested instead.

12-Cars require routine maintenance.  A broken $25 timming belt on some cars can cost you a new engine and clean and polished car has better chance of sale.

Note: sellers on ebay must beware of phishing scams using fake money orders for more than the agreed price.  You can read about different scams on the (FBI government website) and last but not least new or old cars will eventualy need some type of repair so think twice before posting that negative feedback on ebay.

Saeed Shoja Nia :o)