Venturing into the world of used car shopping can be a little overwhelming. There are a lot of options out there and it can be difficult to know how to even start the process. We’ve outlined a few quick tips to help you be a smarter used car buyer and get you on the road in no time!

1. 1. Figure out your monthly budget. Be honest with yourself about much can you comfortably afford to pay each month.
   2. Know your credit score. If it’s not as high as you’d like it to be, follow the suggestions from your credit report to improve your score.
   3. Research used cars you like. This sounds obvious but it can be helpful to narrow down your search by making a list of your must-have features, like size, four-wheel drive, a sunroof, amount of cargo space, etc.
   4. Research reliability reports and pricing guides. Once you’ve narrowed down your list of ideal cars, you can research the market value of the actual car you’re looking at by assessing its condition and value based on factors such as year, mileage, and extra features.
   5. Choose the right used car for you! Pick the right model, mileage, and size based on your needs and your research. The Auto Connection has a huge selection of quality, pre-owned vehicles to search.
   6. Check the vehicle history report. If you find a used car you like, use the vehicle’s identification number to see its history. Here at The Auto Connection, our highly trained mechanics and buyers personally review each vehicle and also provide an AutoCheck Report.

• Test drive, test drive, test drive. Drive before you buy!
• Discuss financing options. The Auto Connection is called the car buyer’s best friend for a reason. No matter your credit or financial situation, we’ll find a way to put you in the driver’s seat.

Are you in the market for a reliable used vehicle? As a premier buy here, pay here dealership in Hampton Roads, The Auto Connection helps people in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Richmond, Eastern Shore, Smithfield, Chesapeake and Newport News, VA get the financing they need to drive away in a quality used car, truck, SUV or van. Find out how easy it is to get a quality pre-owned vehicle of your own with buy here, pay here financing from The Auto Connection.

Get the approval process started from home with our easy online application.