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The Used Car Blog

We want consumers everywhere to feel confident about their ability to engage in the used car process on their own terms. We’re going to be posting articles about every aspect of buying used cars, from giving you tips on how to judge the condition of a used car to knowing your way around financing options to what you should look for when test driving a vehicle.

Category: Car Loans

Used Car Buying Then and Now

Used Car Buying Then and Now

Anyone younger than 30 might not realize how much things have changed around used car buying. For those who are Millennials or younger, we've assembled this used car buying and then and now so you can fully appreciate how much easier your life is these days when it's time to buy your next used car.

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What Aftermarket Products are Actually Worth it when Buying a Car?

What Aftermarket Products are Actually Worth it when Buying a Car?

There are two major types of aftermarket products that can be added to whatever car you purchase. One set of aftermarket products are those offered by the dealership where you're buying your car, the cost of which are typically rolled into your finance contract. The other kind of aftermarket products are all the different things you can buy on your own to personalize your vehicle or improve it to your liking. We'll take a look at both kinds of aftermarket products to identify ones we think can be worth it and those that are a waste of your hard-earned money.

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More Affordable Car Insurance

More Affordable Car Insurance

In our previous article,How to Buy Car Insurance, we mainly advised that you pay attention to the amounts of different kinds of coverage included to make sure you have enough insurance but not more than you need, and then emphasized the importance of shopping around to get the best deal possible in a very competitive market. Think of all those commercials you see from different car insurance companies all saying they can save you money - it's worth checking them out and comparing them to each other. But there are other ways to get more affordable car insurance. The ones we'll cover in this article include the kind of car you're insuring and whether or not you should participate in one of those driving habit tracking programs some companies offer.

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Is It Better to Finance a Car Through a Dealer or my Credit Union?

Is It Better to Finance a Car Through a Dealer or my Credit Union?

When you're shopping for your next used car, it's all too easy to get totally wrapped up in finding the vehicle that's right for you. Your search might begin online to narrow down options, and then you'll visit various dealerships to check them out in person, take them out for test drives and so forth. What often slips off the radar screen, however, is the auto financing you probably need to make a car purchase. This part of the process tends to sneak up on you. But shopping around for the right car loan is every bit as important as finding the right car. This article will give you guidance on financing, including the debate about dealer financing vs credit unions when it comes to choosing a lender and loan.

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10 Common Mistakes First-Time Car Buyers Make (You'll Want to Avoid These!)

10 Common Mistakes First-Time Car Buyers Make (You'll Want to Avoid These!)

After the first car, many will buy several cars over the years, depending on how their lives change and how long their vehicles last. As anyone who's bought a car can attest, being a first-time car buyer can seem daunting. First-time car buyers have a lot to think about, not just finding "the one," but determining where to buy and how to pay. Some say the best way to learn is by doing, but first-time car buyer mistakes can cost thousands of dollars, and some mistakes can affect credit ratings and financial stability for years.

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How to Read a Used Car Finance Contract

How to Read a Used Car Finance Contract

Every used car buyer who is planning to finance a car will be presented a finance contract. It is important to understand how to read such a contact to properly evaluate all the costs associated with buying a used car.

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Where Should People with Great Credit Get Their Financing?

Where Should People with Great Credit Get Their Financing?

The different routes available to great credit customers include shopping around themselves to different lenders, working with a dealership that helps arrange financing, or a combination of the two. Which one of these should you choose?

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Auto Loans and Recent or Open Bankruptcy

Auto Loans and Recent or Open Bankruptcy

A quality car is definitely possible in spite your bankruptcy and often with no money down!

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Leasing versus Financing

Leasing versus Financing

Leasing and financing a car are two of the most common ways you can obtain a vehicle. Each option has its pros and cons. Learn what may work better for you

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Where Should Auto Shoppers with Good Credit Get a Used Car Loan?

Where Should Auto Shoppers with Good Credit Get a Used Car Loan?

When your credit score is great, where should you go to get a used car loan? Should you go to your bank? A credit union? A dealership?

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