5 Ways to Snag a Great Deal on a Used Car (Even With Tariffs)

While the full extent to which President Donald Trump's planned automotive tariffs will affect the industry remains uncertain, chances are that cars will become more expensive across the board. Some experts estimate that the cost of new vehicles will increase by $6,000, and when you consider that Kelly Blue Book says the average price of a new vehicle is already $48,641, buying a new car may be out of the question for many — tariffs or no tariffs.

That's why some are turning to used vehicles instead. And, while it's true that you can still find some great deals on a used automobile, there are some ways you can lower your financial stress even further before you head to your local used car lot. Take a look at these five tips for getting the best deal on a used car.

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While proposed tariffs will not directly impact used car prices, new vehicles becoming more expensive will affect their demand, which could affect the used car market.

If a popular auto manufacturer is set to raise their prices to pass the rising costs of tariffs onto customers, people may bypass the company's new cars and instead look at previously owned models, increasing the demand (and therefore price) of those more popular picks.

Speaking of previously owned cars, picking one that has been out for a while could help you save a few bucks. Consumer Reports says that three to five years is typically the sweet spot when it comes to buying an older vehicle, since cars in this age range typically come at a lower price point while also being in pretty good shape.

Not only that, but these cars are less likely to have outdated technology or safety features, and there's even a chance that some of these vehicles could still have active warranties.

Some shoppers might find that their only option to get a good deal on a used vehicle is to purchase a car that has a lot of mileage on it.

While the downside to purchasing a high-mileage vehicle is that its warranty will likely have run out, consumers can offset this by doing their research to make sure that they are purchasing a car that has a history of low repair and maintenance costs.

Some people opt to sell their used vehicles themselves, listing them as for sale by owner on local websites, Facebook Marketplace, or even in their own front yards. Shopping for a used car this way may save you a few extra bucks, since it cuts out the middleman and allows you to deal directly with the owner of the car.

However, there are some downsides to shopping this way, and you may not be able to get any type of guarantee from the seller about the condition of the car. Additionally, you'll likely have to pay cash for your purchase, since individual sellers are less likely to offer any type of in-house financing options like you could find at a dealership.

The pandemic caused lower production volume from 2020 to 2022, and the automotive industry is still feeling the pinch by way of a used car shortage. That, coupled with the increase in customers who will be looking to buy used cars after getting priced out of the new car market, means that dealers may be willing to offer you a little more money on your trade-in.

If you already own a car, you may be able to get a lower price on your next vehicle when you trade it in.

While shopping for a used vehicle may be a good way to get more bang for your buck when you're looking for a new car, especially in the face of proposed tariffs, there are some ways you can potentially get an even better deal, which will help you to keep more cash in your wallet, and following these suggestions may be one way to do it.

Another way to save includes shopping around for a new insurance company. Finding a lower priced auto insurance policy could help lower your monthly bill, which will make the overall cost of owning a car a little bit more affordable.