5 Steps to Setting a Used Car Budget
Stop By Budget Lot by Tri-Star Today and View Our Used Inventory!
Are you interested in buying a used car? Are you curious about the steps it takes to find a budget that is right for your life? When you choose Budget Lot by Tri-Star, you'll be getting a dealership that is always looking out for your best interests. Our entire team is here near the Pittsburgh and Kittanning areas to provide you with the information you need to succeed. We're on your side every step of the way, and that includes financial needs, too. That's why today we are going to share with you the 5 steps you should be taking before you make your final decision about your next used car. If you ever have more questions, you are always welcome to give us a call or even use the form that we have given you access to below. Let's get started on your used car journey at Budget Lot by Tri-Star!
1. What role does my credit score play in my used car budget?
Your credit score is the very first thing you need to learn more about when trying to decide the budget that works best for your needs. This score is what lenders are looking at the most when deciding how much you can borrow, as it is a signifier of how trustworthy you are with the money being given. However, we also think it's important to note that even if you have a subprime credit score, our finance team will do whatever it takes to make sure that you can still get the auto loan that you need for your used car. It's just important that you also take the necessary steps to help improve your score when possible by doing things like making on-time payments and paying down larger loans. If you are unsure about your score or confused by any payments, our team would love to help clarify things for you!
2. Start saving money for a down payment!
One of the best ways that you can help with your monthly budget with a used car is to consider putting down more money at the start. Down payments are a great way to bring down the cost of monthly payments, and also signify to lenders that you have the funds and the reliability that they are looking for to give you the best deal possible. We know that our customers are dealing with a lot in their lives, and by lowering the costs that you will have to put forth monthly for your car, you'll be able to remain less stressed and more focused on other financial goals that you may have. Our goal is to make sure that you are considering all options, with a larger down payment being great, especially for those with a subprime credit score. On the flip side, if you don't mind larger monthly payments when factoring in your budget, then this could be a way to put less money down at the start!
3. Consider the used inventory of vehicles available at Budget Lot by Tri-Star
Now that you know more about the kind of down payment you want to make and your credit score, it's time to consider the vehicles that are available on our lot! This will give you the perfect gauge of the potential budget you may need for each specific vehicle, whether it's an SUV, pickup truck, or sedan. We have vehicles from all of the major automotive brands, including Ford, Chevy, Jeep, Toyota, and Subaru. Our team will be able to listen to your needs, offer their suggestions, and make sure that you find a vehicle that is perfectly suited for everything that you have been waiting for. Whether that means towing power, cargo space, or tech, you're in the best hands with us here at Budget Lot by Tri-Star. Once you've found the perfect ride, we know that your budget will come together that much more seamlessly.
4. What other finances do you have monthly that you need to factor in?
It's about far more than just your car when you have to get a budget that's right for you. Even after learning more about the vehicle that you want, you have to consider what else you have to cover financially on a month-to-month basis. This includes housing, utilities, food, potential vacations, child care, and even eating out at restaurants. The more you are able to keep track of your finances, the more control you will wield when it comes time to make an important financial decision like this one. If you have a financial advisor, now could be a great time to consider their input, too, or continue utilizing our finance team. We'll make sure that you get full transparency during this process, as our customers matter more to us than anything else.
5. Additional costs when buying a car
When you are making your final decisions about the budget for your used car, we don't want you to forget about other costs that occur when you own a vehicle. You not only have to consider things like registering your vehicle, but you have to think about car insurance, buying gas, routine maintenance, and even things like getting a car wash every once in a while. These bills tend to add up over time, which is why you can't forget about those numbers when making your final calculations. We're here to support you however possible, and we want all of our customers to succeed!
Contact Budget Lot by Tri-Star Today With Any Further Questions!
Now that you have more information on your side about budgeting for a used car, we hope you will consider stopping by Budget Lot by Tri-Star. Not only do we have the top inventory in the Pittsburgh and Butler areas, but we also boast sales and finance teams that will be here for you to make use of as much as possible. Our goal is always customer satisfaction, and we'll do whatever it takes to make that a reality. Feel free to ask us further questions by using the form we have given you below!