How to Save Money on a Used Car in San Diego
7 Ways to Save Money on a Used Car
Everyone from Coronado to Escondido, La Jolla to Santee, wants to save money when buying a car. 💲
Express Auto Auction understands this. Of course, we want you to buy your next car from us, but we also want you to save money. We’re designed to do this! So, we have a list of 7 ways you can save money on a used car.
Obviously, buying a used car vs. a new one saves you money! Which makes you smart. 🎓
Up front, be advised that cars on auction lots are sold as is. That means that whether they start, have exterior or hidden problems, or come with false odometers, you bid on its current condition. We’re not hiding anything from you, on the contrary, transparency means a better bid and purchase. 👍
1. ☝️Buy a Used Car at Express Auto Auction
A new car will cost you tens of thousands of dollars. A used car at a used dealership, say ten years old, and 100,000 miles will still likely cost you $10,000 or close to it.
Check this out! The average cost of cars sold at Express Auto Auction over the last year was $1,500!
You WILL save money if you buy here. Even if you buy a used car for $1,500, and it needs $2k worth of work, you’ll still save! We have cars from the 80s, 90s, 00s, and 10s. We sell everything!
2. 🚘 Buy Only the Best Used Cars
Do your research! Only bid on the best makes and models. We’ve made some of that easier for you by writing up reviews of car lifespans and the most reliable brands.
It’s hard to go wrong with old indestructible Toyota’s, Honda’s, Ford’s, Chevrolet’s, etc.
3. 🔧 Inspect the Car Before You Buy
This might be a no-brainer when you read it in an article, but realistically we’re often in a rush and miss the details. We provide a condition report with every vehicle including:
- Is it running?
- Scratches, dents, etc. on the body
- Is the interior dirty, stained, etc.
- Battery health
- Any electrical issues
But, this doesn’t mean we know everything that’s wrong with the car!
You are welcome to come visit us in San Diego (Paseo de La Fuente Norte), and inspect each vehicle you are interested in. Bring a mechanic and a checklist!
4. 💵 Set a Budget and Stick to It!
It’s easy to get carried away and think that because you’re bidding, you are guaranteed to win a car at a low price. That can happen, but it’s NOT a guarantee.
Some cars are “if-sales”; basically the minimum price the seller will accept.
Bidding can get fierce, so if a popular make and model is climbing in price, have the discipline to bail out.
5. 💪 Persevere
Your dream car may come and go, or it may take a while for it to show up on the lot. Be patient.
6. 🤔 What about Fees?
No hidden fees here! There is a $500 cash deposit that is required. You are able to use your deposit towards the purchase of a vehicle if you win a bid or get your deposit returned to you, a valid id is required.
7. 😀 Relationships
Building relationships with auction staff and sellers can provide insights into the history and condition of specific vehicles. Networking may also open up opportunities for pre-auction deals or access to additional information that can help you make more informed decisions.
Used Car Deals
Deals are easy at Express Auto Auction. It's getting the right deal on the car you want in a condition that is acceptable to you that’s the trick.
We stand behind the fact that you’ll spend less money here than at a dealership, and if you inspect the car you want, you can spend the right amount of money on the car you need.
We’ll see you on the lot! 🥳