Our Used Car Lot Offers Special Financing with Affordable Payments

When you’re in the market for a new set of wheels, buying a used car can be a smart and cost-effective option. However, one of the biggest hurdles to overcome is coming up with the down payment.

Fear not! With the right strategies and mindset, you can save up for that down payment and get yourself behind the wheel of a reliable 

new-to-you ride.

Whether you’re focused on budgeting or exploring financing options, try these tips for saving up for this important purchase.

Start By Planning Ahead and Establishing Your Used Car Budget

If you don’t know how much you need to save, you’ll never be able to reach your goal. Start by researching vehicle options at our used car dealership in Kansas City. Look for vehicles that meet your needs - seating, cargo space, fuel efficiency, and anything else you want - and then compare prices. Do they align with your projected budget?

Understanding how much you’ll likely need to pay for a vehicle can help you create a roadmap for your savings journey and get you one step closer to owning a reliable used car.

Choose Our Used Car Lots Because We Accept Reasonable Down Payments

If saving for a large down payment feels impossible or, at the very least, extremely difficult for you, then we recommend shopping at Auto Bank, with two locations in the metro area. We offer reliable pre-owned vehicles at reasonable prices, and most importantly, we accept affordable down payments for them with clear loan terms.

Other benefits of shopping with Auto Bank include completing your purchase in as little as one hour and not having to complete credit checks to secure an auto loan. Our in-house financing is based solely on your income, not your credit score. We think everyone - including people with challenging credit histories - deserve a reliable car.

Start a Dedicated Savings Account

When it comes to saving for a down payment, starting a dedicated savings account is a smart move. This allows you to separate your car savings from your everyday expenses and keeps you focused on your goal.

Look for a local bank or credit union that offers free savings accounts. If you get paid by direct deposit, ask your employer to deposit a portion of your paycheck into this account. Or, you can set up automatic transfers from your checking account on pay day. This way, a portion of your income is consistently deposited into your car savings account without you having to think about it.

If you don’t have a bank account and can’t open one, when you cash your paycheck, stash some bills into a lock box and keep it in a safe place in your home. Keep adding to it every pay day.

Cut Back on Non-Essential Expenses

A crucial step toward building savings for a used car is to evaluate your spending habits and make adjustments. Start by tracking your expenses for a month to see where your money is going. Identify areas where you can cut back, such as picking up fast food less frequently, skipping a stop at the dispensary, or canceling one of your streaming service subscriptions. You can then put the money you would have spent at these places toward your down payment.

If you can’t simply avoid certain expenses, try to find more affordable alternatives. For example, opt for a gym with a lower monthly membership rate, or look up home workouts on YouTube. Order a $5 meal deal from your favorite fast food place, rather than buying a pricier combo meal. Every dollar saved is one step closer to achieving your goal of buying a reliable vehicle at our used car dealership in Kansas City.

Explore Additional Income Streams

If you’re struggling to save any extra dollars from your paycheck, it may be time to get creative and explore additional income streams.

For example, you might take up a side hustle. Choose one that aligns with your interests so you can have fun doing it, for example dog-walking, tutoring, babysitting, or yard work.

You can also declutter your home of items you no longer need and list them for sale on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Mercari.

Additional income accelerates your savings so you can get behind the wheel faster.

Keep Your Eyes on the Prize: A Quality Used Car

As you work toward saving for your down payment for a vehicle at Auto Bank, it’s important that you celebrate milestones along the way. Saving up for a significant purchase takes time and effort, and rewarding yourself for reaching certain savings goals can help keep you motivated.

Treat yourself to something small, but meaningful, like a low-cost outing or a day of at-home self care. Don’t lose sight of your goal as you celebrate, though; stay focused and resist the temptation to splurge.

Shop at Our Used Car Dealership Near You

When you’ve built up your savings for a down payment on a used car, it’s time to visit Auto Bank, where we accept affordable down payments and offer in-house financing without credit checks.

Find us at two convenient locations: 2000 E. Truman Road or 6901 E. Front Street, both in Kansas City. You can also view our inventory online before you visit!