Used Car Budget

Smart shopping for reliable used vehicles.

Used cars offer the best value: new cars lose 20-30% of their value in the first year alone. A 3-5 year old car with 30,000-50,000 miles is the sweet spot. For example, a 2021 Honda Civic that sold for $25,000 new might cost $18,000 used, saving you $7,000 plus lower insurance. Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles include extended warranties and thorough inspections. Always get a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic ($100-150). Check vehicle history reports (Carfax, AutoCheck). Target reliable brands: Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Subaru. A 72-month loan gives you lower payments but costs more in interest — stick to 48-60 months if possible.