4 Tips to Get the Best Used Car Prices at Dealerships in 2024

Posted Thursday, Nov 23, 2023

Prices have begun to soften in the auto marketplace; however, many folks are still looking to save money by heading out to a used car dealership to find the best vehicle prices. During good times and bad, used car dealerships have always offered the best prices on their inventory, especially for those who are on a budget, or simply do not want to own a new car. While used car dealerships offer the best value, buyers still need to do their due diligence when scoping the used car market for the best deals.

So, it's settled, a used car dealership is the best place to find budget deals that meet your needs, provided you know where to look and how to move forward with your search.

Tips to Find the Best Vehicle Prices

Keeping that in mind, here are a few tips that should help you scoop up the best vehicle prices when searching for a used car online.

Start with a Vehicle (and Budget)

The journey of every new buyer starts with determining the type of vehicle they need along with their budget. Since buying a car (even a used one) is going to be a significant investment, you will want to get it right the first time. When choosing a used car, consider how you will be using the vehicle.

Will you be using it for your daily commute or weekend trips? Is it only going to be you, or will the kids be traveling in the vehicle as well? These questions are a good place to start your search for a used vehicle, however, you will need to ask yourself other important questions as well, such as, are you looking for a vehicle with better mileage or a sporty look? And, do you prefer a sedan or a SUV?

On a side note, those who will not be towing heavy loads, but will still be carrying stuff around should also consider minivans as an alternative to the traditional SUV. Answering these questions should give you a better idea of what to look for when choosing a vehicle from a used car dealership. Settling on a budget accordingly will save you from overbuying.

Shop at Multiple Dealerships

The internet has made searching for a used car extremely easy. The best part is you can now shop around and compare the prices of vehicles from several used car dealerships without having to leave the comfort of your home. Whether you will be purchasing your first car, or you're looking for a reliable option for the weekend, it pays to shop around at two or more used car dealerships before making a decision.

Shopping around and comparing prices is by far, one of the most effective ways of finding the best vehicle prices when looking for a used car. Not only can you shop around for the best vehicle price, but you can also reach out to multiple used car dealerships to find the best auto financing options that they offer, which will further ensure that you can find the best vehicle prices.

Get a Pre-Approval

While a used car dealership can provide you with a financing option, it is best to arrange for an auto loan pre-approval from multiple lenders before you walk into a used car dealership. It is mainly because the auto financing options that you are going to find at the dealership may have higher interest rates.

By having a loan pre-approval, savvy buyers can leverage that to get the best vehicle rates, which would not be possible if they had gone to the used car dealership without getting a loan pre-approval first.

Contrary to popular belief, there is no need for you to commit to a loan from a lender or a bank when asking for pre-approval. It is recommended to contact several banks or credit unions to get loan pre-approval, or at least, find out where you stand before you decide to head on down to the used car dealership.

If the bank does ask, all you must do is tell them that you are simply shopping around and would just want a pre-approval for a loan. Since you are not obligated to commit to a loan from a bank or credit union, you should take advantage of this strategy when shopping around for the best vehicle prices.

Inspect the Car

Worn tires or rust might not be a big deal considering you are buying a "used" vehicle, but it can have a significant impact on the overall price of the car. It is important to carry out a thorough inspection of the vehicle to spot any defects. Vehicles with major defects should be avoided at all costs, while minor defects that are noticed can be used to bring down the sticker price during negotiations.

You will be surprised to know just how much you can save by simply pointing out a defect in a car that you are about to purchase, not to mention the savings in your monthly payments that can save you thousands of dollars. After you've found the vehicle of your choice, and with a few noticeable defects in tow, you can negotiate on the final price and save money on your purchase.

Ending Note

With car prices at an all-time high, it pays to shop around in the used car market to find the best possible prices. Used car dealerships are growing in popularity mainly because of the affordable prices that they offer along with flexible auto financing options which are geared towards folks from all walks of life.

Regardless of whether you are looking to pay up-front for a used vehicle or are looking for an auto financing option with a good (or bad) credit score, you are sure to find the perfect car and the best vehicle prices, all under one roof at a reputable used car dealership such as The Internet Car Lot.

For more information, you can always visit The Internet Car Lot for the best-used car deals and financing options in town.