Buying a used car: The essential guide

Capital One Auto Navigator outlines a step-by-step approach for buying a used car, emphasizing that the total cost goes beyond the purchase price. It recommends setting a budget that accounts for insurance, registration, taxes and licensing (typically lower the longer you keep the vehicle), fuel costs, scheduled maintenance, and potential repairs—especially if a warranty isn’t included. The guide then advises choosing where to buy, comparing franchised dealerships, certified pre-owned programs from major automakers, independent used-car lots, and used-car superstores. It stresses narrowing the search through research and short-listing, then inspecting the vehicle and reviewing its history before negotiation and final paperwork.