In the market for a used car? Buy here pay here dealers are an excellent option if you're having trouble securing a traditional auto loan. These dealerships provide in-house financing for customers, allowing you to get a car whether you have a credit history or not. Moreover, the process is relatively simple, as you'll be done with the purchasing and financing process by the time you drive off the lot.

But just walking into buy here pay here dealers doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get a great price on your car. So, here are some hacks to help you save time and money when buying a quality used car.

1. Do Your Research

When buying a used car, you'll have to do quite a bit of research. First, it's important to figure out what auto models are worth buying second-hand. Research the make and model of the car you're interested in, as well as any manufacturing issues it could have had. What's more, a little internet surfing could help you determine whether the price being offered by the dealership is fair, considering the make, model, and age of the car.

When you find a car you do like, ask to see the service book. When it comes to used cars, mileage isn’t the only factor to look at. The car’s mileage doesn’t provide any information as to how the car was treated by the previous owner. Check the service book to see when the last service was done. How often was the car serviced? Was it done by the car brand itself or another automotive shop? The idea here is to get a thorough history of the car you're buying and ensure that its age and mileage match the wear and tear.

2. Negotiate the Price

Haggling isn't everyone's cup of tea, but it can help you land a great deal on a used car. A good dealership is always willing to work with customers to find a price that fits their budget. This is one of the reasons why it's important to research the model beforehand, as you'll be armed with information. Weigh age against price, and don't be afraid to walk away if the deal doesn't feel right.

Don't forget to negotiate for extras, including warranties and free oil changes.

3. Partner With a Reputable Dealership

Don’t ignore word-of-mouth and online reviews. Make sure the dealership you’re partnering with receives rave reviews. While the odd negative review is to be expected, too many negative reviews could be a sign to look for more reliable buy here, pay here car dealers.

The biggest benefits of buy here pay here dealers is the flexibility of financing. Because these car dealerships offer in-house financing, you can negotiate your way into favorable terms. More importantly, you get to bypass conventional lenders such as banks, which can be especially useful if you have poor credit or limited credit history.

With that said, it’s incredibly important to go through the fine print and truly understand the terms of the loan, including the interest rate as well as any penalties that may apply for late or missed payments.

Skip the online classified and find yourself a longstanding, reputable dealership. At Fast Start Auto, we offer a vast array of used car models. But don't worry; we're here to guide you through the purchase process. If saving money and favorable loan terms sound good to you, contact us today for more info on our buy here pay here auto loans.