Before you hit the open road, you’ll want a reliable vehicle that fits your budget. For many buyers, a used car can offer the best value — lower upfront cost, slower depreciation, and potentially lower insurance rates. Still, the used-car market can be tricky, so here are three essential tips to help you make a confident, informed purchase.
Do your homework.
Before committing to any used vehicle, take time to research. If the listing includes a VIN, run a CarFax report to check for accidents or major repairs. Look up the car’s value on Kelley Blue Book, review safety ratings, and check for any common performance issues associated with that model.
If you’re shopping through a dealership, ask whether they offer certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles, which typically include a limited warranty and inspection process. You should also request the car’s maintenance history and service records — and confirm whether your trusted mechanic can inspect the vehicle before the sale. If the seller refuses, walk away.
Need a cheat sheet? Here’s a full list of questions to ask when buying used. The more information you gather upfront, the stronger your negotiating position.
Get pre-approved.
Before visiting the lot, check your credit report to make sure everything is accurate and get pre-approved for financing. A pre-approval helps you:
- Understand your budget
- Lock in a favorable interest rate
- Shop with confidence
With a pre-approval in hand, you’ll also avoid pressure-heavy financing conversations at the dealership.
Negotiate from a position of power.
Once you’re on the dealership lot, keep your cool. Even if you think you’ve found “the one,” showing too much excitement can weaken your negotiating leverage. Stay neutral, ask direct questions, and let the salesperson know you’re willing to walk away if needed.
If you feel pressured or the salesperson tries to keep you there for an extended period, pause the process — tell them you’re only taking a test drive today and will return later to discuss price. This shifts control back into your hands.
Looking for more guidance? Explore our used car buying guide for additional tips.
At Addition Financial, we love helping our members live their best lives while saving money. Check out our blog for more useful articles, podcast episodes, and tools. If you’re looking for a new financial institution, Addition Financial is a credit union founded by educators with strong Central Florida roots. With branches across six counties, convenient Saturday hours, and access to the Presto! ATM network, managing your money becomes simpler than ever.
Valerie Moses is a Senior Relationship Manager at Addition Financial Credit Union, where she supports public relations and Central Florida partnerships. Outside of work, she blogs about travel and lifestyle at Wellness & Wanderlust and hosts the Wellness & Wanderlust podcast.
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