Cars are GREAT! They get us to school, to see Grandma, on family car trips, and even on time for soccer games. But not everyone buys a brand-new, shiny car. When people buy cars, many of them choose to buy used cars, which are cars that someone else owned before. Why? Because when you choose the right one, they are often cheaper and just as good!
Fasten your seat belts! This guide will teach you how to buy a used car, whether you want to do it online or at a dealership. When you’re done reading, you’ll know exactly how to find the best car for your family.
How to Buy a Used Car?
When you buy a used car, you can do one of two things:
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Browse the web.
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Go to a car lot.
They are not the same, but both can work well. Let’s take a closer look at each choice.
Buying things online
Online shopping for a car is a lot like online shopping for a game, a toy, or even shoes. While sitting on your couch, you look at pictures on websites, read about cars, and lots more.
How it Works – Check out sites like Facebook Marketplace, Carvana, or Autotrader. Searching for a used vehicle online allows you to use search filters to find the right car, whether you want a truck, SUV, or sedan, and to look for options with lower mileage. You can also compare prices to find the best price and use search tools to filter for the perfect car that matches your needs.
Read about the cars and look at a lot of pictures to find one that your family likes.
You might be able to buy one online and even have it sent right to your house once you’ve chosen one.
Fun Tip: Looking for something online is like going to a big store with all the ice cream flavors you can think of and trying to find the right one.
Introduction: The Modern Car Buying Experience
Shopping for a car today is a whole new adventure compared to just a few years ago. Thanks to online marketplaces and digital tools, you can now research, compare, and even purchase used cars from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re looking for a pre owned vehicle or exploring extended warranties and add ons, the process can feel overwhelming with so many choices and details to consider. That’s why it’s important to approach your purchase with a clear plan—starting with research and budgeting, and moving through each step with confidence. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make smart decisions when buying a used car, from understanding the costs involved to making sure you get the best value for your money.
When do you buy something from a dealer?
Shopping at a dealer is like going to a real ice cream shop. You can touch, drive, and look at the car before you decide. Plus, the agent knows EVERYTHING there is to know about cars.
How it Works: You go to a car shop and look at the cars that are already there.
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You can get in and out of different cars, turn the wheels, and even go for a short test drive.
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The salesman helps you buy it and takes care of all the paperwork once you choose one. You can often trade in your old vehicle at the dealership as part of the purchase process, which can help lower the price of your new car. Be sure to review your contract for any extra fees that may be included by the dealership, and ask questions about any additional charges before signing.
Fun Tip: Buying from a dealer is like trying on clothes in a store—you can see how it fits and feels before you buy it.
Research and Budgeting for a Used Car
Before you buy a used car, it’s smart to do your homework. Start by setting a budget that includes not just the price of the car, but also car insurance, fuel, and regular maintenance. Use online tools to compare different models, check out reviews, and see what prices are like in your area. Consider consulting Consumer Reports for authoritative safety ratings, reliability scores, and vehicle testing results to help you make an informed decision. Don’t forget to get a vehicle history report for any car you’re interested in—this will show you important details like past accidents, service records, and whether the car has a clean title. A pre owned vehicle can be a great way to save money, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons compared to buying new. You can also use a car loan calculator to figure out how much you can afford to borrow and what your monthly payments might look like. Careful research and budgeting will help you avoid surprises and make sure you’re getting a good deal on your next vehicle.
Where to Look for a Used Car?
Okay, so you know you have two choices. But where should you look to find the best car?
Ask People You Know
Buying from a private party—meaning an individual selling their own car rather than a dealership—can be a good way to find a deal. A private seller may offer a lower price, but you need to pay close attention to the paperwork and make sure the title transfer is handled correctly. In a private party sale, you also have the advantage of asking the previous owner detailed questions about the car’s history, maintenance, and any issues, which can help you make a more informed decision.
1: Online Choices
These are some of the coolest online car lots:
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Carvana and Vroom – These sites make it very easy to buy a car, and some of them will even bring the car to your house!
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Autotrader: This site lets you compare a lot of cars, like which ones are the cheapest or have the lowest mileage.
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Facebook Market – Cars might be for sale by people in your neighborhood or nearby.
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Craigslist: You can also find deals in your area here, but watch out for con artists!
On these sites, you can use tools to choose things about the cars, like color, price, or even brand (like Honda, Toyota, or Ford). In a computer game, it’s like making the best car possible!
Go to Dealerships
There are real places called dealerships where a lot of cars are on show. To find them, use Google to quickly look for stores near you.
– Look at both big and small shops. Family-owned places often have great deals.
Pro Tip: Find out if the store has Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) cars. Checked out by professionals, these used cars come with a guarantee that says they will fix some things for free if they break down soon after you buy them.
Ask People You Know
The odd person in your neighborhood or at school will sell their car! People in your family can ask around or even look in the local paper for listings. Weird, but it can help you find some great things.
Buying a New Car vs. Used
Deciding between a new car and a used car comes down to what works best for your lifestyle and budget. New cars offer the latest features, advanced safety technology, and full warranty coverage, but they usually come with a higher price tag and lose value quickly. Used cars, on the other hand, are often more affordable and can be a smart choice if you’re looking to save money. However, they might need more repairs and maintenance, especially if they’re an older model. Think about your current car needs—do you want the peace of mind that comes with a new car, or are you comfortable with a pre owned vehicle that’s been well cared for? Certified pre-owned cars from a dealer can be a good middle ground, since they’re inspected and often come with some warranty coverage. Take your time to compare vehicles, consider your budget, and choose the option that fits your life best.
Should I put down money?
This question is very important! Do your family members need a down payment to buy a car from a dealer?
What is a down payment?
You pay a down payment when you buy a car. It’s part of the price that you pay all at once. This might help you borrow less money for the car all together.
As an example:
As long as you put down $2,000 toward the $10,000 price of the car, you only need to borrow $8,000. In the long run, this means smaller payments.
Most people either finance their used car purchase or pay cash, so it’s important to consider your savings before making a decision.
Why is it a Good Idea?
Some car lots let you buy without a down payment, but it’s still a good idea to put money down:
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It brings down your debt.
The money you pay each month will be less, which will be better for your family’s budget. If you borrow money to finance the car, the interest rate on your car loan will affect your monthly payment and the total cost of the car. You can get financing through a bank or credit union, and comparing offers can help you get a better interest rate.
Tip: Paying cash for a used car can help you avoid interest charges, but make sure you don’t deplete your savings—set aside enough for registration, insurance, and repairs.
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Dealers like it when people put down money, so they’ll probably go along with your deal.
Tip: Act like your family is spending $2 on a candy bar. They won’t be getting as much money if they pay $1 up front than if they pay $0 up front. That’s kind of how a down payment works!
Pros and Cons of Online Shopping
I’m going to quickly list the pros and cons of shopping for a car online.
“Pros!”
There are more cars to choose from, and they come from all over the country.
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Compare Prices: To find the best deal, it’s simple to put prices next to each other.
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Shop from home. You don’t even have to put on shoes to buy a car online.
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There is no pressure to choose a car right away. No one is buzzing your ear.
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Many online car listings offer a free report, such as a free vehicle history report, so you can learn more about the car’s background before buying.
“Cons!”
“You Can’t Touch the Car”: When you buy something online, you usually can’t take it for a test drive.
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Scam Alert: People who sell things online sometimes do so dishonestly.
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Extra Costs: If you want the car brought to your house, there may be extra charges.
Pros and Cons of Buying from a Store
Why not stick with one dealer?
“Pros!”
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Go for a test drive before you buy. This way you can see how the car feels.
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Warranties: Some car sellers say they will fix the car if it breaks down after you buy it.
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Help with Financing: The dealer can make it easier for your family to get loans so that they can buy the car.
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Large Choice: Their lot has a lot for you to pick from.
Dealing with salespeople can be challenging, but understanding negotiation strategies can help you get a better deal.
“Cons!”
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Pushy Salespeople: Some dealers may try to force you to make a choice. You should not feel pressured into buying extras or making a decision before you’re ready.
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Higher Prices: To make a profit, dealers usually charge more than private buyers.
How to Check Out a Used Car?
It’s really important to check out a car. You want to make sure everything works, like when you check your backpack before school. Understanding the car’s history and condition is key to making a smart choice. Before making a decision, be sure to evaluate the car’s value, maintenance records, and overall condition to avoid surprises later.
Key Things to Check:
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Outside Look
Take a look for rust or scratches.
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Make it easy for all the doors and windows to open and close.
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Wheels and Tires: Are the tires smooth? (You might want to get new tires soon.)
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Check that all four tires are the same.
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Look at the lights. Do the brake lights and headlights work? Check by turning on and off!
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Inside the Car: Check the heat and air conditioning; they should both blow hot and cold air!
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Look for tears or spots in the seats.
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Go for a Test Drive!
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Listen for strange sounds.
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Pay attention to any potential problems such as unusual noises, vibrations, warning lights, or anything that feels off during the drive.
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Click on the brakes and feel how they work.
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Check the odometer reading to see the car’s mileage and how much it has been used.
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Verify the vehicle identification number (VIN) to check the car’s history and make sure it matches the records.
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Have the car inspected by a professional mechanic before you buy it. A mechanic can spot problems you might miss.
Things You Should Ask the Seller
Before you buy a car, you should always ask a lot of questions. To give your family some ideas, here are some:
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Why do you want to sell this car?
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Has the car ever been in an accident? Has it been repaired after any damage?
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Can we see all of the records for the car, like when the oil was changed and when it was fixed? Has all required maintenance been performed and documented?
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Was there only one registered owner, or have there been several?
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Can we take it to a mechanic to be checked out?
As more people answer, the better choice you can make.
Financing and Insurance for Your Used Car(New Section)
Understanding Extended Warranties
When you buy a used car, you might be offered an extended warranty. This can help cover the cost of certain repairs after the original warranty runs out, giving you extra peace of mind. However, extended warranties can be expensive, and not every repair is covered—so it’s important to read the details carefully. Some warranties can be transferred to a new owner if you sell the car, while others can’t. Before purchasing an extended warranty, ask about what’s included, how long the coverage lasts, and what the total cost will be. You might also want to look into other options, like a vehicle protection plan or a maintenance plan, which can sometimes offer similar coverage at a lower price. Make sure you understand exactly what you’re paying for so you can decide if an extended warranty is right for you and your vehicle.
Add-Ons and Extras
When you buy a used car, you’ll probably be offered a variety of add ons and extras—everything from extended warranties and maintenance plans to accessories like upgraded floor mats or roof racks. While these options can add convenience or extra protection, they also increase the overall cost of your purchase.
Extended warranties are a popular add on, offering coverage for certain repairs after the original warranty expires. This can give you peace of mind, especially if you’re buying an older model, but it’s important to read the fine print. Not all repairs are covered, and the cost of the warranty might not be worth it if the vehicle is already reliable or has lower mileage. Always ask for details about what’s included and compare the price to the potential cost of repairs.
Maintenance plans are another option, helping you budget for regular upkeep like oil changes, tire rotations, and other required maintenance. These plans can be convenient, but make sure the services offered match your needs and that you’re not paying for more than you’ll use.
Dealerships may also offer accessories such as cargo nets, seat covers, or tech upgrades. While these can be nice to have, consider whether you really need them or if you can find them elsewhere for a lower price.
The key is to review each add on carefully, ask questions, and don’t feel pressured to buy anything you don’t want or need. Remember, every extra adds to the final price of your used car, so stick to your budget and focus on what truly adds value for you.
Add-ons and Extras
Dealerships and sellers often offer add ons and extras when you buy a used car, from extended warranties to accessories like roof racks or upgraded floor mats. While some add ons can be useful, they also add to the total cost of your car. It’s a good idea to think about which extras you really need and which ones you can skip. For example, maintenance plans or GAP insurance might be required by your lender, but other add ons are optional. Don’t be afraid to negotiate the price of these extras, as dealerships often have room to adjust. You can also shop around—sometimes third-party providers offer better prices or more flexible terms for the same coverage. By carefully considering each add on, you can make sure you’re only paying for what adds real value to your used car purchase.
How to Talk About the Price?
Remember that you can always look for a better price!
Here are some tips on how to negotiate: 1. Do some research first. You can look online to see how much cars like this cost. Make your case for a better price with this information.
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Be nice, but firm – If you think the price is too high, smile but don’t back down. Be nice!
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Point Out Problems—You can get a deal if you see wear and tear or an old tire.
For example, let’s say you want to buy a cookie. One cracked cookie might make you ask for less money, and you might get it!
Finalizing the Purchase (New Section)
Final Thoughts
You need to do some research before you buy a used car, but you can make a great choice!
– If you have time and like new things, look online.
– Go to a shop if you want to see cars in person.
Always check that the car is safe, meets the wants of your family, and fits your budget. Also, remember that the car you choose could take you on a lot of cool experiences.
Have fun looking for a car!
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