How to Find a Used Car in My Price Range

Knowing what you can afford is key when deciding to purchase a used car. It allows you to do some research ahead of time to find out what makes and models should be available in your price range. If you are patient and willing to do a little research, you should be able to find a decent, reliable car that you can afford.

Instructions

1

Determine your price and stick to it. If you plan on paying in cash, you should have a dollar amount that you will not go over. If you plan on financing, determine your monthly payment limit. Know ahead of time that car salesmen will try to get you to go over this amount. Don't budge. If the dealership wants to sell the car, it will come down to your price.

2

Search available cars in your price range using a reliable online website such as Cars.com. Just fill in your zip code and a list of cars for sale in your area will come up. Then click the price range you want to look at. This will allow you to see what makes and models are available that you can afford.

3

Research and read consumer reviews on the makes and models of the cars you found in your price range. This will help you determine which makes and models are the most reliable.

4

Make a list of the cars you want to look at. Then use an automobile valuation website such as Kelley Blue Book to determine whether the asking price is correct. If the dealer is asking too much, print out the assessed value and take it with you to negotiate.

5

Test drive the cars you are interested in that fit within your price range. Before making a decision to buy have a mechanic check the car over. You don't want to buy a lemon. If something is wrong with the car, a mechanic should be able to tell you how much it will cost for repairs. You can use this information to negotiate with the car dealer as well.

6

Negotiate with the car salesman. The asking price is just that--an asking price. Almost all car dealers will accept less and you can often get a better deal if you are paying cash.