For seniors, buying a used car rather than a new one can be a smart financial decision. It helps them own a better model or a higher trim while paying less. But aside from the lower purchase price, there are many other ways seniors can save on used cars. With a few common tips and resources, they can find a pre-owned car that fits their budget while ensuring safety, comfort, and reliability.

Tips for seniors to find deals on used cars

Using online resources

Many online platforms today help seniors find good deals and discounts on used cars. For example, BestSeniorDiscounts often posts exclusive offers for senior buyers. They also partner directly with car dealerships or their networks to negotiate special discounts on used cars for seniors.

Checking online car listing sites

Seniors can keep an eye on online car listing platforms for deals on used cars. Even when there are no promotions on these deals, most of these platforms make it easier to find affordable used cars than traditional dealerships do. That’s no less than an attractive discount.

CarGurus, for instance, has a rating system that evaluates deals on car listings. It categorizes listings as a Great Deal, Good Deal, Fair Deal, High-Priced, or Overpriced. This makes it easy for seniors to narrow down listings based on the best price drops. For listings that aren’t a great deal, seniors can use the rating to negotiate better prices with the seller.

Likewise, TrueCar offers a dedicated feature that helps seniors find used cars at lower prices. In addition, TrueCar uses a rating system that categorizes the deals as Excellent, Great, Fair, or High. This system helps indicate how competitive a car’s price is when compared to market standards.

Platforms such as UsedCars and Edmunds also have similar features. In fact, Edmunds goes a step further by showing how much lower a specific car’s listed price is compared to the average market price for that model.

CarMax is another highly popular platform that seniors can rely on. It allows users to view recent price drops, helping them stay on track with the latest deals on their preferred models.

Signing up for AAA

Seniors can also consider joining the American Automobile Association (AAA) to benefit from the organization’s Auto Buying Program. This service helps seniors compare prices, read reviews, and find dealer offers on used cars. Moreover, they can also enjoy membership discounts on their purchase. And that’s not all. This membership also comes with a bonus. If members report their purchase from a certified dealer, they get up to $2,000 in Auto Repair and Auto Deductible Reimbursements.

Waiting for the right time

Sometimes, all it takes to secure a great deal on a used car is purchasing at the right time. Dealers often offer additional discounts at the end of the month or year to meet sales targets and clear existing inventory. The final days of December are especially promising for seniors seeking the biggest price drops on used cars.

Checking the number of days the car remained unsold on the lot

Used cars that have remained unsold for a long time are typically more negotiable. Look for cars sitting on the dealer’s lot for 60 days or more, as sellers are more likely to agree to a price cut for them. Seniors can use tools like CarEdge Pro to find out how long a vehicle has been on the lot.