The 2004 edition of Used Car Buying Guide helps minimize risks by steering readers toward the better-performing, more reliable models and away from those with a troubled past or substandard performance. This invaluable guide provides all the information needed before stepping onto a used-car lot: -Step-by-step advice from selection to shopping strategies, vehicle inspection, negotiation techniques, and closing the deal -Details about all checks performances, and how to find a good mechanic -How to avoid a lemon: finding a reliable used car, includ-ing lists of the best and the worst -Safety information: key features to look for, how to interpret the crash tests, the Consumer Reports Safety Assess-ment, and more -How to shop for auto insurance -How to give an old car new life -Plus, profiles of 256 cars and trucks, featuring all major 1996-2003 models.