3 Tips for Used Car Shoppers in Chicago, IL



At Car Credit Center, our years of experience have given us insight into the needs of used car shoppers. That's why we've put together these three quick tips to help you streamline your process and get on the fast track to enjoying a wonderful new-to-you vehicle! Keep reading to learn more and give us a call if you have any questions.

Know Your Budget

It may seem obvious, but our first tip is to know your budget. With so many used vehicles out there and such a wide range of price points, knowing your monthly budget as well as your buying can help avoid spending time looking at vehicles you can't afford or feeling overwhelmed by the amount of options. Regardless of your credit score, start by listing out your current monthly expenses, such as rent and utilities, to get an idea of how much you have to put towards your car payment. If you have some savings, it also helps to have an idea of what you can put towards your purchase as a down payment. Even if it's only a small amount, having a down payment will reduce what you need to borrow and therefore lower your monthly payments.

Consider Transportation Needs and Wants

Once you have a budget in mind, we recommend thinking about your transportation needs. The number of people in your household, how many miles you travel each week, and whether you need a vehicle that can tow are all factors that can help narrow down the search to specific models within your price range. Other factors include AWD for better traction control during Chicago winter weather and engine size for estimated efficiency. In addition to the list of needs, go ahead and include a few items on your wishlist, like a specific body color, sunroof, or rearview camera. We want you to be excited about the vehicle you choose!

Explore Available Finance Options

Lastly, find a dealership that provides a wide range of finance options. Here at Car Credit Center we are the finance company, which means that we can offer auto loans even if you have a low credit score or have been turned down by other lenders in the past. With our in-house auto loans you'll make the payments directly to us and you can even do so right here on our website. We also have finance options that reward customers with a high credit score. For those who have a busy schedule or are ready to take the next step right away, fill out our 3-step pre-approval form -- there's no affect on your credit score!

We hope that these three tips for used car shoppers in Chicago, IL, has you feeling more confident in your hunt for a quality vehicle. Check our inventory and finance options here at Car Credit Center!


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