How to Find a Great Deal on Used and New Vehicles

Cars are incredibly expensive right now, whether you’re shopping for a used car or a new one. It’s becoming more difficult to find a good deal, but there are still ways to spot a bargain if you know what you’re looking for. In this article, we’ll cover how to find great deals on pre-owned vehicles and even share some tips for getting a good deal on a new vehicle as well.

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Having spent 16 years in the car business, attending thousands of car auctions across different states, I’ve learned a thing or two about buying cars. One of the most important lessons I learned is how to spot a great vehicle while avoiding problematic ones. This experience comes in handy when you’re looking for a pre-owned car or a new model.

Recently, I had to purchase two vehicles, and when I jumped into the online marketplace, I was shocked by the prices. Many used cars are being sold with high mileage, and higher mileage often means you’re at risk of owning a “dead horse.” So how do you avoid this? With some patience, research, and attention to detail, you can still find a good deal.

The first vehicle I bought was a 2014 Dodge Caravan, which I found for $7,500. This was a clean, well-maintained vehicle that had been driven for just 91,000 miles by the original owner. It came with three sets of keys, and after taking it to two trusted mechanics, I received a clean bill of health.

I decided to make some preventive maintenance changes to ensure the car would be reliable, especially considering I was driving a fully-loaded vehicle across long distances. I performed transmission service, replaced the water pump, thermostat, radiator hoses, and radiator cap. All of this maintenance cost me around $1,400, but it was worth it for peace of mind.

I also upgraded the stereo to an Android navigation system, which was a simple plug-and-play upgrade that cost around $200. All in, I spent about $9,400 on the Caravan, including the vehicle price, maintenance, and accessories. However, considering that similar vehicles were being sold for much higher prices by other dealerships, I saved over $5,500.

For my second vehicle, I wanted something that was more fuel-efficient. I purchased a 2012 Toyota Prius C with 108,000 miles for just $6,500. Similar models with higher miles were listed for $15,000, so this was a great find. While the vehicle had a few cosmetic issues, such as minor dents and missing parts, I was able to address these issues myself, saving money on repairs.

I replaced the headlight bulbs with LEDs, bought seat covers, and even fixed a small piece of missing plastic on the front bumper for a few dollars. All in, I spent about $6,700 on the Prius, and considering that other dealers were selling it for much more, I saved about $7,300 on this purchase.

While car dealerships have become increasingly expensive, you can still find deals through private sellers. In my experience, Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace have been useful platforms for finding private-party deals, but they can be full of scams, misleading information, and inflated prices.

Another great website to use is AutoTrader. When you search on AutoTrader, make sure to use the filters to only show private-party sellers. AutoTrader’s “Price Rating” feature helps you identify cars listed below market value. By narrowing down your search to these vehicles, you can easily find great deals without wasting time sifting through overpriced listings.

When you find a car you’re interested in, it’s important to check whether it has any common issues. A useful resource for this is CarComplaints.com, which compiles consumer complaints and car issues for specific makes and models. You can search for a car by its model year and find out what problems are commonly reported.

For example, when looking at a 2014 Audi A4, CarComplaints.com might reveal that the model has common engine, steering, and fuel system issues. If you’re considering a car with such issues, it’s wise to have it inspected by a trusted mechanic before making a purchase.

If the used car market isn’t to your liking, you might consider buying new. One thing to keep in mind is that a one- or two-year-old vehicle is often priced similarly to a brand-new one. Dealerships know that customers are looking for lower prices on used vehicles, but sometimes a new car, especially with special financing offers or rebates, can be a better deal.

In my experience, dealers may try to sell newer used vehicles for prices that are close to new car prices. If you’re looking for a new car, do some research on current incentives and financing deals before committing.

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