Smart used car buying
Buy the right used car at the right price.
Plain-English checklists, price guides and financing basics to help you choose a reliable car, inspect it properly and negotiate with confidence.
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Explore Used Car Guides
Pick a topic to find checklists, price advice and buying tips.
Buying a Used Car
Step-by-step help from the first search to signing the papers.
Explore topic →02Inspection & Test Drive
What to check, listen for and test before you hand over money.
Explore topic →03Car Value & Pricing
Know a fair price, read market values and negotiate with comparables.
Explore topic →04Car Financing
Down payments, loan terms, credit and dealer vs bank financing.
Explore topic →05Selling & Trade-In
Price, prepare and sell your car safely, or get a fair trade-in.
Explore topic →06Ownership Costs
Insurance, maintenance and the true cost of owning a used car.
Explore topic →Featured reading
Start Here: Essential Buying Guides
The questions used car shoppers ask most, answered clearly.
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Price Negotiation for a Used Car: How to Pay Less
Anchor at 10–15% below asking, then use documented defects, comparable listings, and days on lot to push the final number lower. Step-by-step…
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Used Car Down Payment: How Much Should You Put Down?
A used car down payment is the cash or equity you bring upfront. This guide breaks down the smallest safe down payment…
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Can You Get Auto Preapproval Without a Hard Inquiry?
Yes, you can get a car-financing estimate without a hard inquiry by asking for a soft-pull prequalification or preapproval, then avoid the…
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Test Drive Checklist for a Used Car
Use a 20-to-30-minute test drive to check cold start, steering, brakes, transmission, suspension, warning lights, and highway behavior before you commit.
From the blog
Latest Used Car Articles
New guides on buying, pricing, financing and selling.
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Private Seller Cars: How to Buy Safely and Save
A private-sale car is worth buying when it is at least 10% below similar dealer listings…
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How to Write a Private Car Sale Listing That Gets Replies
Lead with buyer filters, then proof, then trust signals. Use the right order to get replies…
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How Much Should You Save for Used Car Maintenance Each Year?
Save $100-$150 a month for an average used car, with higher reserves for older or higher-mileage…
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When Should You Get Financing Before Shopping for a Used Car?
Get preapproved before you compare used cars. It gives you a budget ceiling, a likely rate,…
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Instant Cash Offer for Your Car: How It Works
An instant cash offer is usually conditional until the car matches the VIN, title, mileage, damage,…
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Ownership Depreciation for Used Cars Explained
Ownership depreciation is the resale value you’ll likely lose while you own a used car. Estimate…
Recent Guides
- Price Negotiation for a Used Car: How to Pay Less
- Used Car Down Payment: How Much Should You Put Down?
- Can You Get Auto Preapproval Without a Hard Inquiry?
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