What You Need to Know Before Visiting the Dealership
Buying your first car is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming if you’re not sure where to start. The good news? With a little preparation, the process can be simple, smooth, and rewarding. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you feel confident before walking into the dealership.
1. Set Your Budget
The first step is deciding what you’re comfortable spending. Think about a monthly payment that fits your lifestyle , something you can manage without stretching your finances too far.
Remember, the cost of a car isn’t just the sticker price. You’ll also need to account for taxes, title, and registration fees, and you may want to plan for optional protections like extended warranties or service coverage.
If you have a vehicle to trade in, that can help lower your monthly cost or reduce the amount you need to finance. Even a small down payment can make a big difference.
Loan terms vary, too:
Shorter terms = higher monthly payments, less total interest.
Longer terms = smaller payments, more interest over time.
To get a better idea of what works for you, try our loan calculator. And when you’re ready, you can also apply for financing online.
2. Research Your Options
Since you’re shopping for a used car, narrowing down the options is key. Used vehicles come in all shapes, sizes, and price ranges, and finding the right fit starts with thinking about your lifestyle needs:
Do you commute long distances? Look for fuel efficiency and comfort.
Have a family? Space and safety ratings may be top priorities.
Need something for work or outdoor activities? Durability, towing capacity, or all-wheel drive could be important.
Running errands around town? A smaller, easy-to-park car might be the best fit.
You can start your search right now by browsing our used car inventory. Once you have a shortlist, the test drive is where everything comes together. Sitting behind the wheel, checking visibility, and trying out the controls will tell you far more than any spec sheet.
3. Understand Financing Basics
Financing a used car doesn’t need to be complicated. A little preparation goes a long way:
Get preapproved if you can. Knowing what you qualify for helps you shop with confidence. Start here: apply for financing.
Understand loan terms. Shorter terms come with higher payments but less interest overall; longer terms mean smaller payments but more interest across the life of the loan.
Know your credit score. This can affect both approval and interest rates. Even if your score isn’t perfect, dealerships work with a wide range of customers to find workable solutions.
Make a down payment. The more you put down upfront, the less you’ll need to finance which helps reduce your monthly payment.
Not sure how the numbers will shake out? Use our loan calculator to explore different scenarios. And remember, our finance team is here to walk you through the details step by step.
4. What to Bring to the Dealership
Coming prepared makes your first visit smooth and stress-free. Here are the basics:
Driver’s License – required for test drives and paperwork.
Proof of Insurance – needed before you can finalize a purchase.
Payment Method – whether that’s a down payment or full purchase funds.
Trade-In Items (if applicable) – such as your title, keys, and any essential documents.
Having these ready will save you time and keep the process moving quickly.
We're Here To Help
Buying your first used car doesn’t have to be intimidating. By setting a budget, researching your options, understanding financing, and bringing the right documents, you’ll be well-prepared to find the vehicle that fits your life.
Start browsing our used car inventory, test out numbers with our loan calculator, and when you’re ready, apply for financing online. We’ll be here to help you every step of the way.
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