Find a Used Car in Las Vegas for Under $20K

Buying a new-to-you vehicle doesn’t have to break the bank. Many people have budgets to consider when it comes to a car purchase. The good news is that you can find some really great used cars for under $20,000. In the used-car industry, there are a wide variety of models and options to choose from. You have the opportunity to find what you want or need in a car and then explore to find the best fit. 

If you’re looking for a used car for under $20K in Vegas, we can help. Check out our options at Centennial Subaru to see what you can find, and let us help you get into a new ride today. 

Below, you will find some helpful tips for choosing the perfect car in this price range. 

Set Your Budget and Start Researching

First things first: under the scope of $20K, there is a lot of margin. What is your real budget? Maybe you can pull off the full $20K, but maybe you need something more like $8-$10K. That’s perfectly fine! You just need to get a general idea of what your budget can tolerate so you can further narrow down the search. 

It’s also a good idea to figure out your monthly payment tolerance if you plan to finance. Determining a price range is one thing, but financing will change things a little bit. What can you afford for a monthly payment and still be comfortable financially? These are all important elements of your selection process. 

Now, once you get the budgeting out of the way, you can start researching your options. Do you have a type of car in mind? What about a make or model? These are important details. Do some research to discover the best vehicles that will be long-lasting and reliable or that have lower ongoing maintenance needs and insurance costs. Use this research to narrow down the market and determine a car that fits into this niche spot for you. 

Maintain Some Flexibility

You might have a certain make, model, or year in mind. While that is fine, it can make it more challenging to find a used vehicle in your price range. It’s important to keep an open mind and be flexible. Instead of demanding a certain make or model, why not think of the details that are most important to you? 

Maybe you want to look for vehicles under a certain mileage. Perhaps you want a sedan or a small SUV. Categorize your overall preferences and keep an open mind about the vehicles that might fall into these preferences. You might just discover something you love that you hadn’t considered before. 

Buying used means looking for a quality car in your price range. However, it also means that you have to peruse what is available. You certainly can have preferences, but try to keep an open mind about what vehicle might best meet those preferences. 

Visit Your Local Dealership

Photo by why kei on Unsplash

You can find a lot of great options online, and you should start by at least looking there. But there is just something about seeing a vehicle in person that really makes a difference. When you’re looking at a used vehicle, the visual may be what changes your mind on something. If you have a preferred local dealership, try to work with them to choose a vehicle. If you don’t have a preferred dealership, choose one that has a good reputation in the used car industry. You certainly don’t want to end up with a lemon or feel like you’re working with a dishonest company. 

Visit a dealership you can trust and start checking out what they have available that fits your parameters. While you’re there, you definitely should take a test drive as well. Inspect the vehicle inside and out so you know what you are working with. Take it for a drive and make sure you like the way it drives, and take note of any concerns. 

Be aware of any signs of wear or tear, and pay attention to any mechanical issues like transmission problems or odd noises from the engine. Try the car out on different types of roads and speeds to get a feel for its overall performance. 

When you find the right fit that meets your needs, it’s time to seal the deal, handle any negotiations, and purchase your car of choice! 

Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles

You may want to consider purchasing a certified pre-owned vehicle. This takes you one step above just a traditional used vehicle and provides some added reassurances of quality. In a certified pre-owned option, the vehicle goes through an extensive inspection protocol that is outlined by the manufacturer. For example, Subaru uses a 152-point inspection process. 

These inspection processes hold vehicles to a high standard and certain qualities may be repaired or replaced to meet that standard. The inspection varies from the manufacturers, but they are all stringent. A car that is certified pre-owned is ultimately certified by the company as being in great standing. 

Most CPO vehicles also come with an extended warranty because of the inspection they have been through. This category is the manufacturer saying they guarantee that vehicle for a set amount of time. 

Find a Quality Ride for Under $20K

You don’t have to settle for a hunk of junk just because you have a lower budget than some drivers out there. You just need to be aware, plan, and prioritize so that you can ensure you get a trustworthy, reliable car. Take the time to do your research and determine what you want or need in a car. You will be cruising the streets of Vegas in no time. 

Come check out the selection at Centennial Subaru in Las Vegas. We can help you find the perfect fit.