Buying Used? Here’s What to Know Before You Buy

Buying a used car can be one of the best ways to stretch your budget, especially when you're wise about how you shop. New cars lose value quickly, but used vehicles let you skip most of that depreciation. With a bit of preparation and a few smart questions, you’ll find a reliable car that fits your life.

Here are seven tips to help you buy a used car with confidence:

1. Research your model. Before you even set foot in a dealership, look up the make and model you’re interested in and do some preliminary research. You can browse various car makes and models using trusted sites like Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and NADA. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lists any recalls and the vehicle’s safety details. Check whether the models you're looking at have ever been recalled and, if so, what the reason was.

2. Understand the value. Using these same websites, take note of the fair retail and wholesale prices. Next, research specific year, make, and model prices by looking at online dealerships like Carmax and Carvana and marketplace listing sites like CarGurus and Autotrader. Once you understand what a car with a certain age, mileage, and options is worth, you’ll feel confident when you see a specific car that fits exactly what you’re looking for.

 Pro Tip: If you're interested in a vehicle more than ten years old, it won't qualify for most auto loans (including VACU's auto loans). Instead, it’s common to use a personal loan to finance a car more than ten years old.

3. Check owner reviews and reliability ratings. Knowing how a car performs over time brings peace of mind. In addition to owner reviews on Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book, you can also check Cars.com and Consumer Reports for even more reviews. Local Facebook groups and Reddit threads are often full of owner-specific details on how certain cars handle over time and in real-life scenarios.

4. Spot the Buyer’s Guide. Dealers are required by law to place a Buyer’s Guide sticker on a used car’s window. It tells you if the car is sold as is or if it’s under warranty and what those details are. The Buyer’s Guide flags potential key issues to be aware of.

5. Drive the car and have it inspected. Nothing beats a test drive to understand how a car handles. And if you're really serious, take it to a trusted mechanic for an independent inspection. They’ll catch hidden problems that could save you surprise expenses down the road. Our Used Car Test Drive Checklist is a handy tool to bring along.

6. Look into the car’s past. Ask about accident history, and inspect the exterior for rust, dents, damage, or mismatched paint. A vehicle history report from CARFAX® can confirm past issues or title concerns, offering extra confidence before you buy.

7. Get promises in writing. If the dealer makes repair promises, make sure they’re written into the sales contract or included in the Buyer’s Guide. Verbal agreements don’t count in the event of a dispute.

8. Keep all your paperwork. Hold on to the Buyer’s Guide, the purchase contract, and any inspection records. These documents protect you if questions arise later about the car’s condition or dealer commitments, even years down the road.

Smart used-car shopping is about being prepared. Once you find the used car that fits your needs, you’ll feel confident in taking the next step.

When you’re ready, VACU is here to help with competitive auto loan rates, flexible terms, and an easy application process. You can apply directly and bring your financing to the dealership when you’re ready to shop.

Still researching how to buy a car? Check out The Keys to Buying Your Next Car and 9 Steps to Smarter Car Buying.