Used Cars: trading in and buying used, car headliner, mitsubishi diamante

Question
I am interested in trading in my 02' mitsubishi diamante ls.  60K miles.  I have some problems with the car.  Headliner is coming down, my float in my gas tank is not working, I need to replace a few oxygen sensors and some dents and paint damage to the front of my car.  I owe between 7 and 8K on my car.  I have a interest rate on my current 60 month loan of 6.25.  I am able to get a new 72 month loan at 4.50 at my bank.  How should I go about getting a new used auto and a decent trade in without getting to upside down?  I know nothing about buying cars, and dont want to get a bad deal.

Answer
Hi Chris

Your question is two-fold

(1) You don't fix or replace anything, a dealer gets these repairs done at a fraction compared to what you will be paying.

(2) In order for you not to get a bad deal it will take some homework on your part, buying a car is a process of steps,I could sit here and type forever pro's and con's, thats why I developed a website  http://www.usedcartips.org/  study the site, and you will most likely end up having direct questions that I will be more than happy to help you with.

Ray