Used Car Buying Resources

Whether you’re purchasing a used car from a dealership or a private seller, you’ll likely want to research information on buying a used car. Thankfully, there are resources available for you to do your homework before you begin the used car buying process.

Here are five resources for purchasing a used car:

1. Kelley Blue Book (KBB)
   If you’ve heard the term “Blue Book Value” before, that comes from the Kelley Blue Book (KBB), a guide that lists new, certified pre-owned and used car values. KBB also features other resources on its website, including a list of new and used cars for sale near you, quick specifications, expert and consumer reviews, safety ratings and more. Additionally, if you’re looking at pricing of a certain vehicle in your area, you can compare from three options: “Buy from a Dealer,” “Buy Certified from a Dealer” and “Buy from a Private Party.”


2. FuelEconomy.gov
   This website is a good resource for finding accurate miles per gallon (MPG) ratings on new and used vehicles. You can also find the calculated annual fuel cost for any vehicle, which will come in handy when putting together a car budget.


3. NHTSA and IIHS
   The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) are both solid resources for finding out the safety rating and features of new and used cars. Both sites also include recalls on vehicles and other car-related items.


4. CarFax.com
   When buying a certified pre-owned or used car, it’s important to know whether it’s been taken care of – that’s where vehicle history reporting companies like CarFax.com come in. It will give you details on any previous accidents, insurance claims, service history, and basically anything else your potential ride might have been through, making this resource a good checkpoint before making a final decision.


5. Insurance Companies
   Since you’re buying a used car, calling around to different insurance companies to compare quotes and determine how much coverage you’ll need is wise. Check out this U.S. News article for a quick guide to shopping for the right car insurance coverage.

Perhaps you’re in the market to purchase a used car and need help getting approved for financing. If you’re a car buyer with bad credit or no credit, Credit Acceptance can help!

Simply fill out the form on our website and we’ll connect you with a car dealership in your area that can help you get started!

Click here to begin your online pre-qualification process