For those who are not automobile experts, buying a used car can be a nerve-racking experience. Knowing what questions to ask and what avenues to investigate can be difficult.

Very few people actually enjoy the process of buying a car. Sure, we all like to have shiny, new-to-us rides to show off to our friends and family, but the actual act of walking the car lots and dealing with the stereotypical cheesy car salesman is another story all together.

In fact, more than one poll asking people to rank their least favorite place to visit has seen the car dealership land a top-three spot, usually with the dentist and a lawyer's office also in the mix.

But fear no more. Ashby Carter, general manager of seven Car X auto shops in the Minneapolis, Minn., area, said there are five easy things an auto novice can do to help ensure that a used car buyer is getting the best deal possible.

Used Car Buying Tip No. 5: Know Your Model >>