How to Buy a Used Car on a College Budget

happy woman receiving car keyIf you’re interested in taking home a used car on a college budget, let Indy Car Financing help! No matter what your current financial situation may be as a student, investing in a pre-owned vehicle doesn’t have to be a difficult task. Here are some useful tips to consider when buying a used car on a student budget.

Know Your Needs

Make a list of essential attributes that you’re looking for in a used car. Knowing what you need from your vehicle will come in handy when shopping. Sticking to that specific criterion will prevent you from overspending and allow you to invest in a car that will fulfill all of your automotive requirements. This will especially come in handy while you search for a used car with a budget in mind.

Establish Your Budget

College students are sometimes strapped for cash, and if you want to own a used car, you should make sure you have a firm budget set up before exploring your automotive options. For example, if you know that you can only spend X amount of money per month to own and maintain a used car, the vehicles that you’re shopping for should cost you that same amount or less on a monthly basis in addition to your living expenses. If you plan on saving money to buy a used vehicle outright, make sure to include taxes and other fees into your budget, as well.

Understand the Costs of Owning

Keep in mind that buying a used car on a college budget will mean more than just purchasing the car itself. Look into vehicles that are inexpensive and won’t cost much for upkeep over time. Consider expenses like the cost of fuel, preventative maintenance (oil changes, filter replacement, etc), car insurance, and annual fees. Before deciding on a pre-owned vehicle, compare its insurance rates to other cars to see if one vehicle would get you a better deal on car insurance than another! This could save you a substantial amount of money on a monthly basis and over the life of the car.

Let Indy Car Financing Help with Used Car Auto Financing

If you’d like to apply for auto financing to purchase a used car in the Indianapolis area, choose Indy Car Financing! Consult with our financial experts at (855) 468-6215 to find the auto financing you need to take home a pre-owned vehicle on a college budget.

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