Although many people turn to used cars to save money, that does not mean the purchasing process should be any less thorough. Still, some experts say a surprising amount of consumers may not be as careful when buying a used car and there are number of steps you should take before making a decision.

One of the most crucial aspects of buying a car, whether new or used, is the road test. However, many people may not know what exactly to look for when they take their prospective purchase out for a drive.

According to Auto123, you should always take the car for a drive around town and on the highway. This way you'll be able to easily see how well it accelerates and merges into traffic. Similarly, if you can mix up the surface you're driving on, be it potholes, gravel or sand, it will give you an idea of how well the vehicle can stand up to tough tests.

Furthermore, AOL Autos suggests finding out about the detailed history of the car before driving it off the lot. While it might seem difficult, it is not too hard to do thanks to websites like Carfax.com, which only requires a vehicle identification number to see its auto history report.