Used Cars Buyer's Guide
Used Car Buyer's Guide
Everything you need to choose the right car with confidence — types explained, how to pick, new vs used, and first-timer tips.
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Your Guide To Buying The Right car
Buying an car is one of the most exciting purchases you'll ever make — and with dozens of types, layouts and brands out there, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. This guide breaks it all down in plain English so you can shop smart and land on the car that fits your family, your travel style and your budget.
Whether you're dreaming of weekend getaways in a compact camper van or full-time living in a luxurious truck, Used Cars makes it simple. We carry 5,000+ new and used cars and deliver door-to-door to all 50 states — no showroom trip required.
The Lineup
Body Styles Explained
The eight body styles in this inventory, with how many of each are in stock today. Tap one to browse it.
SUV
6,664 in stock · $5,657–$14,000
Space, capability and comfort for families and adventurers. Most stocked: Jeep, Nissan, Ford.
Best for: families and anyone who wants height, space and all-wheel drive. The deepest part of this inventory.
Browse SUVs
Sedan
4,459 in stock · $5,627–$13,999
Efficient, easy-to-drive and budget-friendly everyday cars. Most stocked: Nissan, Hyundai, Toyota.
Best for: commuters and first cars — the cheapest to run and the widest choice of trims.
Browse Sedans
Truck
214 in stock · $5,786–$13,999
Tow, haul and work — pickups built to get the job done. Most stocked: Ford, Chevrolet, Nissan.
Best for: towing and hauling; check the tow rating and bed length against what you actually pull.
Browse Trucks
Hatchback
977 in stock · $5,688–$14,000
Compact and versatile with room where you need it. Most stocked: Kia, Chevrolet, Volkswagen.
Best for: city driving and tight parking, with more cargo room than a sedan of the same length.
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Coupe
232 in stock · $5,704–$13,999
Sporty two-door style with a fun-to-drive feel. Most stocked: Ford, Honda, BMW.
Best for: two-door style and driving feel, with less rear-seat and door access than a sedan.
Browse Coupes
Van
131 in stock · $7,154–$13,999
People-movers and cargo vans for family or business. Most stocked: Honda, Ford, Nissan.
Best for: moving seven or more people, or cargo, with sliding doors and a flat floor.
Browse Vans
Convertible
151 in stock · $5,907–$13,999
Drop the top and enjoy the open road. Most stocked: BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Ford.
Best for: open-top driving; expect a smaller boot and a roof mechanism to check on an older car.
Browse Convertibles
Wagon
80 in stock · $5,800–$13,999
Sedan comfort with extra cargo room. Most stocked: Subaru, Volkswagen, Toyota.
Best for: sedan comfort with an estate boot — the practical alternative to a small SUV.
Browse WagonsDecision Guide
How To Choose The Right car
Six questions cut through the noise. Work through them and the right category — and features — starts to become obvious.
How Will You Travel?
Weekend trips, month-long adventures, or full-time living all point to different rigs. Occasional campers do well with a trailer; long-haul and full-time owners often prefer a truck or Class A.
What Can You Tow Or Drive?
Match the car to your vehicle. Check your tow rating before buying a trailer, and be honest about how comfortable you are maneuvering a large car. Cars need no tow vehicle at all.
How Many Sleep & Sit?
Count the people (and pets). Look at sleeping capacity, bunkhouses, and how the features flows when the slides are in. A rig that sleeps six on paper may only seat four for dinner.
What Is Your Real Budget?
Factor in the purchase price plus delivery, insurance, maintenance and campground fees. One clear price and an up-front delivery quote make budgeting simple.
Where Will You Store It?
Measure your driveway, garage or storage lot. Length, height and weight all matter — pop-ups and camper vans store easily, while a big truck or Class A may need dedicated car storage.
Which Features Matter Most?
Outdoor kitchen, big fridge, washer/dryer prep, solar, a dedicated office nook? List your must-haves versus nice-to-haves so you can compare features objectively instead of emotionally.
Weighing Your Options
New vs. Used cars
There's no wrong answer — only the right fit for your budget and goals. Every unit at Used Cars, new or used, is inspected before it ships.
Buying New
- Latest features, tech and safety features
- Full manufacturer warranty coverage
- No prior wear — you are the first owner
- Customizable options and current model-year styling
Buying Used
- Lower purchase price and slower depreciation
- More car for your money — step up in size or brand
- Previous owner upgrades often included
- Great value on gently used, inspected units
Learn From Experience
First-Time Buyer Tips
A few pointers from seasoned RVers to help you avoid the common rookie mistakes and love your first rig.
- 01
Rent or borrow the car type you are considering before you buy — a weekend reveals a lot.
- 02
Walk (or virtually tour) the features and imagine daily life: cooking, sleeping, rainy days inside.
- 03
Weigh your tow vehicle honestly — never exceed its rated towing or payload capacity.
- 04
Budget beyond the sticker: delivery, insurance, maintenance, hitch gear and campground fees.
- 05
Start with a manageable size. Many owners upsize (or downsize) after their first season.
- 06
Buy from a dealer that inspects every unit and supports you after the sale — like Used Cars.
Good To Know
car Buying FAQs
What is the easiest car for a beginner?
Many first-timers start with a lightweight SUV, a small camper or a pop-up. They are affordable, tow with a wide range of vehicles, and are forgiving to learn on. If you would rather drive than tow, a Class C car is a beginner-friendly middle ground.
Should I buy new or used for my first car?
Both are smart, depending on your goals. A used car stretches your budget and depreciates more slowly, which is ideal for learning what you actually want. A new car gives you the latest features and full warranty coverage. Used Cars inspects every unit — new or used — before it ships.
Do I need a special license to drive an car?
For most cars, a standard driver license is all you need. A handful of the very largest and heaviest cars may require a special or non-commercial class license in certain states — check your state DMV if you are looking at a large Class A.
How do I get the car once I buy it?
Used Cars is a 100% online dealer with door-to-door delivery to all 50 states. Shipping is based on your delivery location and quoted up front — it is the only additional cost beyond the vehicle price. Transport is fully insured, right to your driveway.
Ready To Find Your car?
Now that you know the types, put it into practice. Browse 5,000+ new and used cars and we'll deliver it door-to-door, anywhere in the country.