A car is a very important purchase for most people and during a recession many people turn to the used car market. There are hundreds of models to choose from and it is definitely cheaper than buying a new car. So here are a few tips to get you driving the used car of your dreams.

Examine the car's documents and get a car history. By checking the car's history you will be able to find out if there is any outstanding finance on the car and if it has ever been stolen or written off. When looking at the documents look out for clocking (when the mileage has been decreased), you can tell by the MOT and service documents, which should list the mileage at the time.

Make sure that the mileage corresponds with the condition of the car, lots of motorway journeys show in the condition of the paint work and the pedals will be worn as will the steering wheel. Contact the previous owner on the log book, does the mileage tally up?

Have a look under the bonnet, under the carpet beside the driver's seat and at the base of the windscreen for the Vehicle Identification Number, look out for tampering and make sure the numbers match the one listed in the log book.

Make sure all the car's features work and make sure that the person selling the car is familiar with the car.

Take the car on a test drive for more than 15 minutes. Drive on lots of different types of surfaces to gage the handling of the vehicle. Try the brakes, suspension, clutch and handbrake.

You could take a trained mechanic with you, they will be able to check all these things, it might cost you some money, but it will settle your nerves if you are worried. Ask the person selling the car if you can bring them with you, if they seem nervous then that could indicate that the car is faulty.

If you have any worries at all then walk away or spend time researching the issues.

Be careful when the only contact you have with the seller is a mobile phone number. You should find out where they live and their home phone number, owners are hard to trace purely by a mobile number. Similarly you should not meet them in a public place, a layby or a petrol station. Instead meet them at their house.

You should make sure that they are the owner of the car; they should have a bill of sale (receipt), service records and a MOT certificate.

Click here [http://www.gumtree.com/Volkswagen] to start your used car hunt. Buying a used car can be the pathway to finding your perfect vehicle.