If you aren’t sure what features or capabilities you need from your vehicle — or even what body style you’d like — you may feel overwhelmed by our inventory. It’s best to make a list of what you want from your vehicle in advance so you can narrow down your search. For instance, prioritize vehicles with plenty of seating (such as SUVs or minivans) if you have a large family, or filter the selection to only include models with all-wheel drive if you love driving off-road.

Doing some research in advance will help you feel more confident when you sit down in our finance department. Check third-party sites, such as Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book®, to get an idea of the current used car market. When you type in the makes and models you’re interested in, make note of the value listed for each one. That way, you’ll have a good idea of whether you want to negotiate at signing.

It’s important to have a budget in mind before you commit to a vehicle. Edmunds recommends choosing a used model with a payment that’s no more than 10% of your monthly take-home pay. Don’t forget to factor insurance, taxes, dealer and registration fees, maintenance costs and garage or parking costs (if any) into your budget as well. If you can, make a large down payment, as this can shorten your lease term or reduce the amount of your monthly payments.