Buying A Used Car On A Small Budget 

Geography Matters

If you are looking to buy a used car from a dealer keep in mind that prices can vary from zip code to zip code, state to state and cities to suburb. For example, buyers who purchase their vehicles in the city generally pay $345 less than in the suburbs according to a Cargurus survey. The state that you reside in can also make a significant impact. States with below national average transaction prices include Miami Fl, Cleveland OH and Rochester NY. One tip is to shop around online and check out prices from dealers within a 50 mile radius (or more if you are inclined) since prices can vary drastically on the same model and make.

Junk Yards

If you are looking for a car that is too cheap to be even sold at a used car dealer you may want to consider a local junk yard. Most of these cars are in poor condition or too old to be traded in. Most cars at junk yards are “fixer uppers and may require a lot of handy work. Contact your local yards and ask if they sell to the public.

Third Party Online Classifieds

Online Classifieds like Craigslist (http://www.craigslist.org) and Auto Trader (http://www.autotrader.com/) are an easy and free way to locate affordable used cars for sale by private owner. The drawback from buying from a third party is that vehicles don’t come with a warranty or guarantee which increases your chances of getting a “lemon”. Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle prior to purchase in order to ensure that everything is working properly. Most private party sellers generally only accept cash.

The Key Is To Negotiate

Being armed with information is key when it comes negotiations. Check out Kelley Blue Book for the true market value of the vehicle. Some buyers may feel more comfortable negotiating online or phone instead of face to face and there is no shame in that. Do whatever you need to do in order to feel comfortable when it comes negotiations.

Buy Here Pay Here Car Dealers

If your credit isn’t good enough to qualify for financing at car dealerships or banks but you don’t want to purchase a vehicle from a junk yard then Buy Here Pay Here Car Dealers may be an option (Example http://www.motortrust.com/) offer their own financing in-house and are more likely to offer lines of credit to consumers with a poor or limited credit history. Interest rates tend to be higher but they generally offer auto loans to buyers who many not qualify for a loan at a traditional car dealer or financial institution.

Shop Smart & Spend Less

The bottom line is that you don’t have to spend a fortune in order to find an affordable car. Factors such as geography and the type of place you purchase the vehicle from can make a significant impact on the bottom line.