Car Search Resources
Looking to Buy a Car?
Quick Tips
- Determine and test your budget — Remember to set money aside not only for car payments but also for insurance, repairs and registration. If financing, you can get preapproved for a loan.
- Establish your priorities — Create a wish list of features and specs. Then prioritize your needs, and shorten the list. Filter your choices based on those priorities.
- Know your car's worth — If you are trading in a vehicle, Do market research and know the value of your old car, as well as your new one.
- Don't settle — Negotiate the best price. Always ask about fees; if the seller cannot explain them, ask them to be removed.
- Test drive — Always test drive your options for at least 30 minutes over different road surfaces as well as in different road conditions, i.e. hilly roads and stretches of highway. Try to test drive your options on the same day or in same conditions if possible!
If Buying a Used Car
- Find reliable used cars sellers — When looking at used cars, sellers play a key factor in the success of your purchase. Make sure to look for reliable sellers; some options might be online marketplaces, auto retailers, dealerships and/or traditional private-party sales platforms. Word-of-mouth and Google reviews will be great resources.
- Ask questions and look at details — Get a vehicle history report and a car inspection from a mechanic; if the seller refuses, they might be untrustworthy.
Resources
- Create a budget — Check out our page on budgeting for more resources.
- — Taking out a loan is a big and important step. Use this loan calculator to plan for it.
- — NerdWallet lists out 7 steps on how to buy a new car.
- — Also from NerdWallet, how to buy a used car.
Disclaimer: These recommendations are being provided for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or approval by the University of Missouri-Kansas City. The University of Missouri-Kansas City bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the resources listed.