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Can I Finance a Used Car?

Rearview of used cars on lot.

Buying a used car is a great way to get some wheels without paying the full cost of a brand-new model. If you've just started shopping around, you might be asking yourself, "Can I finance a used car?" The answer is yes! You can do it at United Auto Sales of Utica. Getting a loan for a used car follows a very similar process to buying a new one. We work to provide a stress-free car-buying experience for drivers throughout Yorkville, Utica, Herkimer, and New Hartford. Our third-generation family-owned dealership believes that every driver deserves a reliable vehicle that fits into their household budget. 

Used Car Financing in Utica

If you've had financial setbacks like late payments or a bankruptcy, you might feel nervous about applying for an auto loan. Many shoppers visit our showroom and ask: where can I finance a used car with bad credit? Many traditional banks turn away buyers with low credit scores. This leaves them stuck without a reliable way to get to work or school.

Our dealership operates a dedicated Special Credit Department with an experienced manager to handle these exact situations. We work with a flexible network of local banks and specialized lenders who look past your previous financial curveballs. We focus on your current ability to make your payments on time, rather than judging you based on an old credit score. Working with our finance team allows you to drive away in a safe vehicle. Plus, you'll actively be rebuilding your credit score with every timely monthly payment. 

Calculating Your Monthly Auto Budget

Before you fall in love with a specific vehicle on our lot, you need to determine "how much car" you can actually afford. You can use our online auto financing loan calculator tool from the comfort of your own home to map out your potential payments. The tool lets you plug in different vehicle prices, down payment amounts, and loan terms to see how they'll impact your monthly budget. 

Don't forget to look beyond the monthly loan payment when planning your automotive budget. You should also account for the ongoing costs of ownership:

  • Monthly New York vehicle insurance payments
  • Monthly fuel expenses
  • Seasonal maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations

It's a good idea to keep your total vehicle expenses under twenty percent of your take-home pay to stay financially comfortable. Our loan calculator will help you take the guesswork out of the buying process.

Advantages of Dealership Financing

Some drivers spend days driving all over town trying to secure pre-approval notices from multiple independent banks. Choosing to finance directly through United Auto Sales of Utica will streamline the entire transaction under one roof. Let our finance team do the heavy lifting for you. We'll send your application to multiple competitive lenders at the same time, forcing them to compete for your business. 

We offer competitive pricing on over 500 used cars, trucks, and SUVs. This includes budget-friendly choices under $15K. If you can't find the exact model you want, our wholesale sourcing team can track it down for you. We also accept all vehicle trade-ins. This lets you apply the value of your current ride directly to the down payment, which can lower your monthly costs even further. 

Before You Visit Our Dealership

There are some proactive steps you can take before you visit us. This can save you hours of time and make the buying experience much more relaxing. If you bring documentation with you, our finance team can submit your application to lenders quickly.

  • Check your current credit report: Look for any reporting errors that might be pulling your score down unnecessarily.
  • Gather proof of income: Collect your two most recent pay stubs to prove your steady employment.
  • Bring proof of residency: A recent utility bill or bank statement establishes your current physical address. 
  • Prepare your trade-in: Clean out your old vehicle and bring the title if you plan to use it as a down payment.

Start Your Auto Financing Journey Today

You can jumpstart the process right now from your own home. Our website has a secure online credit application that transmits your information directly to our lending network. Our financial experts will be able to review your profile and establish your borrowing limits before you ever set foot on our lot. 

Our lot is located at 4994 Commercial Drive in Yorkville, NY. Our sales department is open Monday through Saturday at 9:00 a.m. to assist you with vehicle walkarounds and test drives. You can also browse our up-to-date used car inventory online to filter vehicles by make and model, price, and mileage limits. Visit us today!


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United Auto Sales of Utica Joins the 9th Annual Coats for Kids Drive

United Auto Sales of Utica Joins the 9th Annual Coats for Kids Drive At United Auto Sales of Utica, we believe that being part of our community means giving back to the people who have supported us for generations. That's why we are proud to participate in the 9th Annual Coats for Kids Drive! This annual drive has become a tradition that our entire team looks forward to each year. It is an opportunity for our customers, employees and neighbors to come together and help local children stay warm during the winter months. This year, United Auto Sales will be donating winter outerwear to schools in Utica and Rome, helping families in our surrounding communities prepare for the cold weather ahead. Last year, the generosity of our community helped United Auto and the Steet Ponte Auto Group donate a record-breaking 1,400+ winter items to local children. The donations included coats, snow pants, hats, gloves, mittens, scarves and snow boots. Help Us Keep Kids Warm We are accepting donations of NEW winter clothing in all kids’ sizes from October 1 through November 2. Some of the most-needed items include: Coats and winter jackets Snow pants Snow boots Hats Gloves and mittens Scarves Other new winter outerwear Donations can be dropped off at United Auto Sales of Utica during normal business hours. We are incredibly thankful to everyone who has helped make this drive such a success over the past nine years. Together, we can continue making a real difference for children and families right here in our community. Join United Auto Sales of Utica and the Steet Ponte Auto Group in helping local kids stay warm this winter. Donate new winter clothing today!

Family test driving a used car

Used Hyundai Santa Fe Review

If you've spent any time in our parking lot or looking through our online inventory, there's a good chance that you've already seen the Hyundai Santa Fe. Here at United Auto Sales of Utica, we spend a lot of time getting to know the cars we sell, and one vehicle we keep coming back to is the Santa Fe. So, we thought it was time to put together an honest, straightforward review to help you decide if this is the right fit for you. Here's what you should know if you're thinking about purchasing a used Hyundai Santa Fe. Shop Santa Fe Inventory Finance Department Impressive First Impressions That Last 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe The Santa Fe has long been noted for appearing more expensive than it really is, and that holds true for used models. Models from various years have featured either an understated design or a bold, more modern appearance. Look at the way the body curves and bulks up, and it doesn't look out of place next to many of its more expensive rivals. You could easily see one parked in front of a downtown coffee shop or in the parking lot of a local middle school. When you think of a used SUV that still feels relatively modern, you're probably thinking of the Santa Fe. Room and Comfort for the Entire Crew 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe The minute you sit down, you can tell Hyundai put a lot of effort into comfort. The cabin feels open without being too large, and the seats are firm yet forgiving on long drives. Depending on the trim level and year, the vehicle may have a third row of seats for larger families or carpool situations. Cargo space is plentiful, whether you're throwing groceries in the back, taking a weekend trip, or loading the vehicle with sports equipment for a trunk full of fun. The interior, even on high-mileage secondhand models, has generally stood the test of time, which speaks volumes about the way these vehicles were built. Driving Feel and Everyday Reliability 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe On the road, the Santa Fe is pleasant to drive, neither too sluggish nor too stiff. It handles the daily commute with ease and has enough power to help with highway merging and passing on two-lane roads. Fuel economy is reasonable for the SUV class, particularly with the four-cylinder engines found in many used models, but reliability is the real selling point. Hyundai has long been known for standing behind its products, and the Santa Fe is a dependable option that doesn't leave you wondering what might go wrong tomorrow. Tech and Safety Features Worth Mentioning 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Depending on the year and trim, you'll find many modern conveniences at an affordable price on a used Santa Fe, including a touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone integration, and a decent variety of driver-assistance features, even on relatively older models. Hyundai has placed a strong emphasis on safety throughout its lineup, and the Santa Fe has frequently performed above average in crash testing, making it a favorable choice for families. Why Consumers Continue Their Search for a Used Hyundai Santa Fe for Sale It is no mystery why so many shoppers begin their search for a used Hyundai Santa Fe for sale. With its combination of great looks, comfort, reliability, and value, it is an ideal starter SUV and a great choice for those who want to replace an aging vehicle. Used models also offer many of those benefits without the premium associated with purchasing a brand-new vehicle straight off the assembly line. And there are many benefits to choosing a dealership, such as us here at United Auto Sales of Utica, to purchase your used vehicle from. Finding One Close to Home Our selection of used cars is always expanding, so if you're looking for a used Hyundai Santa Fe Yorkville NY drivers can count on, feel free to come down to the dealership. Every used car on our lot has been fully inspected, so you can drive with confidence. Please feel free to call, shoot us a quick email, or visit our experienced staff if you have any questions, want a detailed rundown of the Santa Fe trim levels, or would like to set up a test drive. Visit Us Today! The Hyundai Santa Fe is one of the more well-rounded choices in its segment, so even used examples can be a great value. Its comfortable cabin, good handling, and solid safety scores make it a great choice for everyday commuters as well as growing families. If you think this is the SUV for you, come by and see us at United Auto Sales of Utica, and let us help you find the right one. Shop Santa Fe Inventory Finance Department Contact Us

Toy cars under a magnifying glass

How to Negotiate a Used Car Price

Finance Department Shop Used Inventory Let's be honest: walking onto a car lot can feel a little intimidating. While you're trying to get a good deal, you don't want to come off as a jerk or pushy. At United Auto Sales of Utica, we talk to buyers every single day who have this exact worry, so we put together this guide to help you feel confident and prepared before you ever sit down at the negotiating table. Remember that negotiation is a dialogue, not an opportunity to "win" against a salesperson. Once you know a few basic things, you'll see that most of the process is just a matter of knowing your stuff and asking good questions. Do Your Homework Before You Walk In The single biggest advantage you can have when learning how to negotiate a used car price is preparation. You need to do your homework before even stepping foot on the lot, so learn a bit about the make, model, and year you want. You can also check for similar listings such as used cars Yorkville NY and that should give you a good idea of the price of similar vehicles. Always check the vehicle history report, if available. Mileage and the amount of time a car has been on the lot are also important. Haggle more if the dealer has had the car a couple of months (or more) rather than if they just got the car in. Figuring Out How Much to Offer on a Used Car This is the question everyone asks, and honestly, there's no single magic number. How much to offer on a used car depends on a couple of factors working together: Car's condition, mileage and maintenance history Lower than prices of comparable cars in the area Whether there are dealership incentives or end of month targets to reach A rule of thumb for offers is to start just below your target number. This will allow room for you to negotiate. Don't go so low that the other side is offended and won't even consider moving in your direction. But a respectable offer backed up with real research is likely to be taken far more seriously than a number pulled out of thin air. Let the Numbers Do the Talking When you are ready to make an offer, have all your facts lined up. Mention if you found a similar car listed elsewhere with a lower price. Simply put, dealerships like it when you know what you're talking about, and it makes the process easier, quicker and less emotional for all parties involved. You're not talking about feelings anymore. It can also help to separate the conversations and discuss the price of the car on its own. Once that's done, you can talk about trade in value and financing separately. An all-in-one number can mask a good or bad value for either of those items. Know When to Pause Sometimes the best negotiating tool you have is simply time. If the number is getting close, but you really need more, politely ask for time to consider it. Even a couple of minutes outside to collect yourself may give both you and the sellers a chance to re-evaluate, and salespeople know this, so you may be better off taking a break. We're Here to Make It Easy At the end of the day, we want you to drive away happy, not just today, but for years down the road. Our team would rather have an honest conversation about pricing than play games, because a customer who feels good about their purchase is a customer who comes back and tells their friends. Frequently Asked Questions Is It Rude to Haggle On a Used Car? Absolutely not! Negotiating is considered part of the used car purchase, and dealerships plan for a range in price and are generally open to negotiation. Should I Get Pre-Approved for Financing Before Negotiating? It can help. If you know your financing terms beforehand, you can better determine your budget, and price negotiations are no longer related to financing. Alternatively, if the dealer refuses the price, ask if that can be made up for in other areas, such as extended warranty, a better maintenance package, or a higher trade in value. If all else fails, it is perfectly acceptable to walk out and return. Do I Need a Trade-In to Negotiate? No. Many buyers use cash or outside financing with no trade in at all, so a trade is just another variable to consider. Whenever you're ready, visit us at United Auto Sales of Utica or check us out online. Shop Used Inventory Finance Department Contact Us