A shiny, new car that comes with $3,000 cash back sounds like a great deal, and it’s one shoppers are seeing a lot of this fall.

But if you want to nab an even better bargain, consider buying used, experts say.

Wary shoppers might shy away from a used car because they’re worried about getting a clunker. But buyers can protect themselves from such troubles. And there’s no better time to buy used than now, thanks in part to the effect of new-car rebates on the used-car market.

“We’ve had these incredible incentives of $4,000 to $5,000 on some domestic (models),” said John Honiotes, vice president of dealer operations at Autobytel, an Irvine, Calif., company that uses the Internet to hook up dealers with car shoppers. As car buyers pay less, those rebates “erode the value of the vehicle and the future value as well,” he said.

That’s a benefit for used-car shoppers, too, because the value of used vehicles also drops, he said.

Philip Reed, consumer advice editor at Edmunds.com, which evaluates vehicles for shoppers, offers another compelling reason to consider a used car: You get more bang for your buck.

“New cars lose up to 20 percent of their value the minute you drive them off the lot,” he said. After a year, some cars depreciate as much as 35 percent. “Let someone else take the hit in depreciation and then buy the car a year or two later,” Reed said.

The savings are huge.

A 2005 Chevy Malibu LS that sells new for $21,613 depreciates $7,796 in the first year, making it worth $13,817, research from Edmunds.com shows.

A used-car shopper isn’t paying for that depreciation, though. True, the car will have some mileage on it, but unless the previous owner was commuting cross-country, the average mileage after a year on California roads should be about 15,000. By buying used, shoppers can wind up with a good car for less money.

Buying used also helps consumers move up.

Instead of getting a 2005 Honda Accord, a consumer could buy a 2002 BMW for the same amount of money.

A new Honda Accord LX costs about $20,000, which is the advertised price for a private seller’s 2002 BMW 325-i (premium package included) with only has 22,000 miles on it. (Buying it new would cost around $30,600, Reed said.)

“Those are definitely cars in different classes,” Reed said. “But it’s just one example where buying used allows you to buy up.”

Many consumers, however, don’t know where to start their search or what to look for in a used car.

So what’s the single best way to buy used without sacrificing peace of mind?

“Get a factory-certified vehicle,” Honiotes of Autobytel advises.

These are the types of used cars you’ll find when you visit a new-car dealership. Often called “pre-owned, factory-certified,” these vehicles have the manufacturer’s guarantee behind them. That means no matter where you go – from Orange County, Calif., to Chicago to New York – the warranty is honored.

Factory-certified cars often have to meet certain criteria to get this backing from the manufacturer. Some manufacturers will only certify models 5 years old or less, others 6 years. Mileage varies, too: One automaker might put the limit at cars with 50,000 miles, others 30,000.

These cars are also inspected, so you don’t have to check them out with an independent mechanic. Inspections vary among manufacturers. Some conduct a 140-point inspection, while others may offer a 128-point inspection. Typically, these inspections check things such as the depth of tire treads, brake pads and belt tensions. Consumers can ask to see the reports.

There are other types of certified cars, but experts say to be extra careful with these.

Some used-car lots – which sell different kinds of preowned cars – also may offer a certification. But this certification isn’t from the manufacturer. The car lot is backing it up.

“If it is a reputable company, you might be OK,” Honiotes said. But if you don’t know the company, you’re taking a risk, he and others say.

Generally, consumers would take the vehicle back to the lot for service. And sometimes the warranty is very short – possibly just 30 days.

Consumers should get the certification in writing and understand what it covers before moving on with the purchase, Honiotes said.

Buying a vehicle with any certification adds to the cost of the vehicle, from $500 to $1,000.

Warranties are different, too. But many offer some great terms.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, headquartered in Cypress, Calif., announced it is extending the warranty for its preowned cars on 2001 models or newer and that have fewer than 60,000 miles.

The program, which started in October, offers a 10-year/100,000-mile power train (engine/transmission) deal on preowned cars. Mitsubishi previously offered a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile power train warranty.

Under Mitsubishi’s deal, if you bought the car with 30,000 miles on it, you’re still under warranty for 70,000 more miles.

Consumers don’t have to go to a new-car dealership or used-car lot to find a good bargain. Reed favors buying from a private party.

“It can be a kinder and gentler buying experience” when negotiating with an individual, Reed said.

For starters, the markup on the vehicle is usually a lot less than what consumers will find at dealerships or used-car lot, he said.

Professional salespeople look to make a profit, while individuals trying to sell a car on their own are usually trying to just get what the car is worth, Reed said.

“There’s not as much game-playing in the negotiations,” he said.

Still, consumers may still feel a bit worried about buying what some would consider a hand-me-down.

“Cars have never been more reliable. If you can find a 1- or 2-year-old car, there’s still a lot of life left in it,” Reed said.

Tips for buying used:

Pick a car: Narrow your search to at most three vehicles. What is the car for? Short commutes? Long hauls? Do you want a luxury vehicle or a compact? Consumer Web sites such as Edmunds at www.edmunds.com offer great shopping tips and research tools.

Find out what it’s worth: Know the value of the vehicle you’re thinking about buying. Condition, mileage, age, equipment and where you live all affect vehicle value. Pricing guides such as Kelley Blue Book at www.kbb.com can give you a good idea of what your car is worth.

Get the vehicle’s history: Find out if the car you want to buy has been in an accident, if the odometer was rolled back and how many owners the car has had. You will need the vehicle identification number, or VIN. CARFAX at www.carfax.com charges $19.99 for a single report. Its reports can only be ordered via the Internet or obtained from a dealer.

Visit a mechanic: If the car you want to buy isn’t certified by the manufacturer, take it to a mechanic.

Look at it: Sounds silly, but consumers sometimes skip this step. Look carefully at the vehicle for dents, dings and leaks.

Drive it: Take your time to evaluate how the car handles. Does it accelerate smoothly and with the power you need? Listen for any rattles or squeaks or engine noises. How do the brakes feel? If you’re dealing with a private party, ask to see the service records. If the vehicle has had major overhaul of the transmission or engine, proceed with caution.

Check the warranty: If you’re buying from a private party, check to see if the vehicle is still under warranty. Then, check to see if the warranty is still valid under a new owner. Some are not. For a good comparison of warranties, visit Edmunds at www.edmunds.com.

Where to find used cars:

New-car dealerships: Offer preowned, factory-certified cars

Private party: An individual who places an ad in the newspaper, online or in his car window.

Used-car lots: Sell many different models and brands of used cars. Good place to look for specialty vehicles.

Go online: Autobytel matches consumers with dealers. Consumers don’t pay anything. Check it out at www.autobytel.com.