As an empty nester, you may find that you no longer have the same transportation needs as you did when your kids were living at home. You may also find that that you are preparing your finances for retirement. For those reasons, you may be interested in getting a used car. Here are some tips that empty nesters can use to get a good deal on a used car.

Shop around
You should start your used car shopping by researching which cars meet your needs. You might want to get some automotive magazines, as well as consumer satisfaction publications so that you know how cars are ranked by experts in the field. Once you’ve decided which cars you’re interested in, you can then search for used cars at dealerships, online and in your local newspaper’s classified section. Then, to get the best deal, find some used cars to look at and comparison shop for features, mileage, general condition and price.

Consider how a trade-in can help
If your car is in good condition and you are purchasing a used car from a dealer, you may be able to work out a trade-in. Usually, the dealership will offer you an amount to put towards the purchase of another vehicle. If you are satisfied with the number the dealership offers you, trading in your old car can save you a lot of leg work. Or you might find that you can get a better price by selling the car yourself.

Regardless, showing the car in good condition is going to help you get the price you want. Be sure the interior is vacuumed and tidy, and that the exterior is shiny. Also be sure that the tires are full of air and that all of the fluids are at their appropriate levels.

Use your good credit history
If you have a mortgage or other type of loan and you have been paying your credit card and other bills on time, you have probably established yourself a strong credit report. If you don’t have enough money in savings, but you would like to buy a car, you can get a loan from a number of sources. Remember that getting a good deal on a used car goes beyond what the seller’s asking price is. Shop around for the best rates and terms so that your purchase doesn’t cost you any more than necessary. A good way to start comparing offers is to visit the LendingTree® website and request a loan. Remember that the lower the interest rates are on a loan and the less time that it takes to pay it off, the less it will cost you.