7/25/2023
When the average cost of a new vehicle is only within reach of the best salaries, buying a used car in the United States becomes the only alternative for many citizens.
Due to the depreciation and quality of modern cars, you can find a durable model at a good price. To do so, we tell you how to find used cars for sale near your location, and what you need to consider when buying one.
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How to find used cars for sale near me?
The buying and selling of used cars is very widespread in the United States, so you are sure that anywhere in the territory you can find an establishment near you or an individual who wants to sell his or her car. Here you have a very useful map to find used cars near your location:
Online used cars for sale near me
Using the map above, you will only be able to find professional sellers or dealers, but if you also want to consult individuals and expand the number of options to find the best deal, it is best to consult websites specialized in the search of used cars for sale.
Below you can check the most popular sites where you can find used cars in any state of the country and with the largest number of vehicles for sale:
How to buy a used car in USA?
In our experience and supported by experts, these steps will help you make a good decision when buying a used car in USA:
Establish how much you can invest in a used car
Before you start reviewing options in person or online, the first thing to do is to know how much money you have to buy a used car in the United States. You can choose to pay cash, if you have enough money, or apply for a car loan. Remember that the costs (taxes, registration, title, etc.) add 10% more to the total price.
The idea of this budget is that you stick to it and take into consideration the amount you are already paying for the rest of your fixed expenses. The best alternative is to get a low installment loan that you can pay off quickly if you can't afford to buy it outright.
Find the right car
Finding the right used car always includes a number of challenges. Not only must it be within your budget, but it must also meet a few requirements:
- Reasonable mileage.
- Good maintenance.
- Close to where you live.
- It hasn't been in a major collision.
We are not exaggerating when we say that this is a more complicated task than buying a new car. One way to start is with online used car reviews and rankings.
There are sites with expert opinions on reliability, safety, performance and other features of almost every model. Comparing will clarify your doubts about the car best suited to your current needs.
Consider a CPO (Certified Pre-Owned Car)
When you don't want to opt for a car without a warranty, CPOs give you a manufacturer's endorsement. This happens because these vehicles come from lease contracts or have been driven by automotive or dealership personnel.
This implies that they usually have low mileage, clean history, are no more than 5 years old and are well maintained.
CPOs are different from private used cars in several respects:
- They can exceed the original manufacturer's warranty.
- They undergo a rigorous inspection and reconditioning process.
- Access to certified pre-owned car programs offers you special financing.
Get financing
The investment in a car can be considerable if you're looking for a newer or less recent model. For most people, paying $20,000 or more cash is unrealistic.
Although dealerships have financing plans, you may be interested in taking out a specific auto loan with favorable terms.
Keep in mind that getting a loan for a used car in the United States (at least 2 years old) can be complicated. That is why we suggest that you do the paperwork in advance to have more support at the time of purchase.
To do this, you can go to national/community/digital banks, credit unions, financing platforms, among others.
Get a used car report
Before buying a used car in the USA, we recommend you to look for its history. This report is related to the VIN or identification number and shows you how it has been maintained, if it has had accidents and other relevant data.
If you go to a dealer, they usually give it to you when you ask for it. Other options are Carfax and Autocheck, websites where you can request such information. This precaution can save you a headache, especially if you are negotiating with a private seller.
Clarify your doubts with the seller
After comparing prices, applying for credit and having the used car report, it's time to talk to the seller. Whether with a dealership or a private seller, you should check to see if the car is still available. This gives you the opportunity to ask if the car has any details, the reasons for its sale and other points you want to clarify.
When negotiating with a private party, it is important to know if they have the title to the vehicle or if it is a salvage title. You can also find out about any liens, debts and maintenance records. As a general rule, buying a used car from a dealer costs you more, but you have more certainty about the condition of the car.
Check the car and test drive it.
After the above, it's time to test drive the used car. As much as you like it, this is a negotiation and you should show as much objectivity as possible.
Before you take it for a spin, you need to inspect it thoroughly to see if it has any problems. If you don't have a lot of mechanical knowledge, it is advisable that you go to someone who does for advice.
On the road, test how the seat, steering, acceleration and braking feel. Consider blind spots and child adjustment (if you have one). Signs such as 'long' brakes, a vibrating steering wheel or a tendency to pull to one side can indicate major problems.
Español: Carros usados en venta cerca de mí