While most car buyers will make an official vehicle purchase locally, most of our shopping and research is done online. After all, it’s easy to find, research and compare vehicles, all from the comfort of our own homes. With gas prices soaring, don’t waste a trip looking at a car until you know for sure!
When searching for used cars online, you’ll find various websites, software programs, and smartphone apps that allow you to search using a keyword phrase instead of selecting a specific make and model. If you are searching for a particular make, such as Ford, but have no model preference, the ability to use a generic search phrase is recommended. Even if you’re shopping on a tight budget; you’re just looking for a car (any make and model) that you can afford.
As for that search phrase, it is recommended that you take into account the type of used because you would like to buy. Using the example above, a search for “Ford” can return a wide range of Ford vehicles, including cars, trucks, minivans, etc. A search for “Ford Focus” will produce more relevant results. If you have a specific make and model, search with it.
As mentioned above, those buying a car on a tight budget may not have a specific make and model in mind; they just want a vehicle they can afford. When doing a Google search, you can add “cheap cars for sale.” On real classified sites or car buying sites, don’t do this. Instead, use the phrase “car”, “van”, “truck”, etc. Yes, your goal is a cheap used car, but actually adding the word cheap will skew your results.
Another search filter or feature you’ll commonly find on most car shopping sites or car search apps is the ability to set a price range. Do this! If you’re shopping on a budget and using a generic search phrase, like “cars,” you’ll see ALL cars for sale in your area that meet your search criteria. This means you’ll have the largest selection of vehicles (regardless of make and model) you can afford.
A good website will allow you to enter your zip code and then select a radius to search. For example, if your search radius is set to 25 miles, you will only see vehicles within a 25-mile radius of your zip code. Feel free to play with this distance. Yes, it would be good to search for local cars for sale within 25 miles of your home. However, you’ll get the largest selection of vehicles and more pricing options by expanding your radius. Take advantage of email or phone calls to contact sellers beforehand; determine if it is worth taking the time to drive and view the vehicle.
It’s also common to see some extra search filters on smartphone car search apps and car buying sites. For example, you can enter a minimum and maximum year, select a color, etc. If you have a specific want or need in mind, activate these filters. Your results will be specific, meaning you’ll see vehicles that fit all of your search criteria. Please note that you will see limited results.