The average length of car ownership in America is over five years. So, it's important to take a moment to figure out what your current and potentially future needs might include. Are you anticipating another child? Perhaps you use your vehicle for work? Are you planning to move to a new city?

The next step is to figure out a rough monthly budget. Sure, you might be fine with paying a little extra each month for the higher trim level, but will you a year from now? You also should factor things like car insurance, fees, and maintenance costs.

Once you nail down what type of car you need and how much you can afford, it's time to start shopping! To get the ball rolling, we recommend visiting our online gallery. Once you have a few contenders picked out, you're welcome to schedule a personalized visit with our team of experts.

You're sitting in what might be the used car of your dreams. It's shiny. It's clean. It even has that new-car smell. At this moment you might be tempted to close deal, but wait-there's a bit more detective work to do. Let's break it down into two sections:

Ask our sales consultant to turn over the engine. Does the vehicle start right away? Listen to the engine and exhaust system. Do you hear any strange whizzing or choking sounds?

Next, slowly take a walk around the vehicle, paying close attention to the following:

• Major chips or paint scratches
• Dents in the bumper, fenders or body
• Cracks or breaks in the windshield
• Tire bulges or sidewall cracks
• Underbody leaks

It's a good idea to take a seat both upfront and in the rear seating area. This will help you get a feel for the head and legroom.

Listen to the sound of the vehicle from inside the cabin. You also should take the time to check whether every knob, button, and piece of technology is in good working condition.

Finally, inspect the carpets and upholstery for stains or significant signs of wear. Once you go through this rundown, you'll be ready to take it for a test drive!