If you are looking for a pre-owned vehicle and want to find the best deal, you can take one of two paths. The first involves countless hours of research, negotiation, and traveling from seller to seller until finally landing the deal. While this effort may appeal to some people, it certainly isn’t for most of us. The average person can probably name a dozen things that they would rather spend their time and effort doing. 

The second path to the best deal on a pre-owned vehicle provides a more relaxed and enjoyable experience—working with an auto broker. 

A CLS auto broker can help plan your budget, research potential vehicles, and secure financing—all for no extra charge.

Keys to Finding the Best Deal on a Pre-Owned Vehicle 

Finding the best deal in Denver on a pre-owned vehicle is a journey of choices. At one extreme, you can skip the middleman and buy directly from a private seller (not a dealership or broker). This is undoubtedly the cheapest way to buy a pre-owned vehicle, but it is rarely the most affordable. Private sellers are not held to the same standards and regulations as official businesses, and you could end up merely buying the seller’s problem. 

You may think that such deception is limited to private sellers, but even seemingly legitimate businesses can run their clients afoul. A recent event in Pueblo, CO left one buyer facing expensive repairs nearly immediately after purchasing a vehicle from a local dealership. 

So, you want to get the best deal in Denver on a pre-owned vehicle but don’t want to risk being swindled? There are two main rules to follow.

1. Do Your Homework 

Finding the right vehicle means knowing what you want. Doing your homework means knowing if the vehicle is worth the asking price. No matter if you are trying to find the best deal on your own or are working with an auto broker, you should do some independent research to determine your price ceiling.  

Understand your budget: If you’ve already worked out your budget, you’re ahead of the game. If you’re worried about crunching numbers, it’s not all that bad. To determine the budget for your next car, examine the following: 

• Assess your financial situation, including monthly income and expected expenses 

• Estimate ongoing expenses, such as fuel, insurance, and maintenance tasks 

• Ensure car payments and additional expenses fit comfortably within your budget 

Use online appraisal tools: You can find the fair market value of a vehicle using multiple methods. Free options help provide an estimate, but paid services give valuable insights into the vehicle’s history. Events such as accidents, weather damage, or unaddressed recalls can drastically affect the vehicle’s value. 

Research the seller: Any reputable seller will have an online presence. Research the dealership or auto broker and look for positive reviews. Buying from a private seller leaves a lot more up to chance, so be wary when bargain hunting.  

2. Get the Timing Right 

They say you can’t time the market, but that’s not entirely true. When shopping for a pre-owned vehicle, you can often find special prices based on the time of year. Deals tend to pop up during holiday weekends and near the end of the year.  

Here are some of the most common events throughout the year: 

• Plan for holiday weekends such as President’s Day (January), Independence Day (July), and Labor Day (September). 

• Year-end brings a rush of people trading in for a newer model, increasing pre-owned inventory (and the likelihood of a better deal). 

However, we know that having a reliable vehicle is an important part of life, and you might not be able to wait for one of these opportunities. When you work with an auto broker, they will help you find the best deal on a pre-owned vehicle—regardless of special events. 

How to Get the Best Deal on a Pre-Owned Vehicle? 

Work with a CLS Auto Broker 

Buying a pre-owned vehicle shouldn’t be stressful, and you definitely shouldn’t have to do it alone. When you work with a CLS auto broker, he or sherwill be your personal assistant in the car-buying process. They will serve as an industry insider who will guide you to the best deals. Whether you already know what you want or are still deciding, a CLS auto broker can help you find your ideal vehicle.