How to Find a Reliable Used Car Without Breaking Your Budget

Most Americans will own a used car at some point in their lives. Used cars remain far more popular to purchase in the United States than new vehicles do. In 2018, 17.2 million new cars were purchased in the United States. When compared to the used car number, people were buying over 20 million more used cars than they were new cars.

Why? For a variety of reasons. Buying a new car is expensive, first and foremost. It usually requires a hefty down payment, as well as a credit check. For many, the expense of a down payment is enough to break their budget, completely wiping out their savings account and putting them at risk to be unable to cover unexpected expenses. For others, credit scores mar their history and make it hard for them to obtain financing.

But the 17 million new cars sold in 2018 show that there is a reason that people seek out new cars – reliability. There’s this unspoken opinion that all used vehicles have something wrong with them. If you’ve believed that opinion, we’ve got news for you.

Ways to Find a Reliable Used Car Without Breaking Your Budget

Budget & Aim Low

The first step in any financial endeavor is to budget. Budgets are helpful even if you don’t adhere to them strictly, as they give you an insight into how much you spend each month and yearly. Consider all your monthly obligations – rent, mortgage payments, healthcare, and otherwise and then subtract all your expenses from your paycheck. The amount you have left over represents the total extra money you have to spend per month. Always leave room for personal purchases, like nights out, as well as setting some aside into savings. From there, figure out how much you would be comfortable making on car payments each month. This will guide you toward a car budget.

Typically, it’s worth it to purchase a used car that is reliable over a sporty car. It might be tempting to buy a fun and flashy vehicle within your budget, but reliable used cars like Toyota Camrys, Honda Civics, and others are built to last, saving you repair costs down the line.

Research Cars

In the same manner of thinking, it is also worth your time to research cars before purchasing them. You might like the looks of a car and then upon doing research come to find out that it has a horrible track record for repairs. If you plan on buying used, you typically aren’t going to find precisely the car you want, anyway. Having greater knowledge of cars will allow you to make decisions on the used cars you do come across, providing you information like market value, common problems, and upgrade options.

Do a Once-Over Of the Exterior of the Car

If you’re at the point where you’re thinking about purchasing a car, the next step is to set up a meeting with the car owner or dealership to take a look at it. The first thing anyone should do is do a walk-around of the exterior. Note any rust spots, as these could become an issue down the line and might indicate the overall health of a car, which could save you money on buying a vehicle that will need many repairs. Check under the hood and check the quality of the fluids. Additionally, look for any issues that might be signs of previous fender benders and make sure to ask the person or dealership you are buying from questions about blemishes, even if they are as little as a ding on the hood. Knowing a vehicle’s history keeps you prepared and helps you understand where it is in its life.

Do a Test Drive

Always test drive your cars to make sure there is nothing wrong with them. You’d be surprised what you can find when you’re not parked. Test the steering, brakes, windows, acceleration, and drive the car with the windows open and with them closed – listening well each time. If you notice anything off about the vehicle, think about taking it to a trusted mechanic for a second opinion.

Consider Financing With a Reputable Buy Here Pay Here Lot

If you can’t imagine affording the full payment on a used car from a private seller, or you just don’t trust yourself to make a good decision on a reliable vehicle, you should work with a reputable buy here pay here car dealership like Auto Now of Wichita. Always buy from dealerships that offer warranties on their cars, like Auto Now, as this indicates the vehicle has been inspected before being offered for sale, something many car lots don’t do.

Make a Down Payment if You Can

We’ve all had those moments where we scream at our past selves for doing something that makes it harder for our present and future selves. Perhaps you forgot to change the toilet paper roll after the last bathroom trip, maybe you let days’ worth of dishes pile up, or maybe you forgot to pay a credit card on time and got slapped with a late fee. It’s moments like these where you wished you had been kinder to yourself in the past. Do yourself a favor and make a down payment on a car if you can. While it might seem hard at first, it could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars down the line.

In short, the best way to save a lot on a used car is to do your research and consider working with someone who knows their way around a vehicle. That will save you from purchasing a potential lemon and will help you pick a car that is right for your lifestyle and will stand the test of time.

For reliable used cars at a great price, work with Auto Now of Wichita on South Seneca Road. With hundreds of quality pre-owned vehicles at competitive prices, we help everyone find a car that they can afford regardless of their credit history. Simply fill out an application online or give us a call at (316) 262-3000 to get started on your budget-friendly car purchase today.