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Why should you check your credit score? "Ignorance is bliss" is an old saying that posits that not knowing something can lead to being a happier, more content person. It's also the approach many people take toward their credit score—despite the fact that those three little digits hold quite a bit of power over life's biggest decisions. Your credit score has a say in whether you get a loan for a home, a credit card, an apartment lease, sometimes even a job. And if you're shopping for used cars anywhere in Central Florida, it's going to come up long before you pick a paint color. Here's the thing, though: your credit score isn't a monster under the bed. It's just a number—and numbers can be known. Checking your score before you apply for anything is like checking the weather before a road trip. You wouldn't drive from Tampa to Orlando without glancing at the radar, so why walk into a major purchase blind? If you're planning on applying for a loan or making a big purchase—like browsing used car dealerships for your next ride—it pays to check your credit score first so you have an idea of what to expect. Every year, you're entitled to free copies of your credit reports from the three major reporting bureaus. Your score can shift based on your credit card balances and prior loan payments, so a check a few weeks before you shop gives you the clearest picture. Of course, simply knowing your credit score isn't a magic "get out of jail free" card. Not all credit scores are created equal, and knowing yours doesn't change it overnight. But here's what it does do: it hands you the power. Once you know exactly where you stand, you can decide what to do about it—and you'll never be blindsided at a lender's desk again. What is a good credit score? The actual range of a "good" credit score varies based on which scoring company you're looking at. Most scales start at 300 and climb to 850. If your FICO® Score lands between 670 and 739, it's considered Good. Between 740 and 799 is Very Good, and the 800-850 club is Exceptional. Those numbers shift slightly for your VantageScore, where Good runs 700-749 and Excellent is 750-850. These two scoring systems are the ones most often used by traditional lenders to size up the strength of your application. With a high score, you're more likely to be approved by a bank or credit union and offered their better rates. With a lower score, a traditional lender may say no—and if they say yes, the terms may not be pretty. One more insider fact worth knowing: according to FICO's published breakdown, payment history is the single biggest factor in computing your credit score. Every bill paid on time is a brick in the foundation. Keep that in mind—it matters later in this story. Why your credit score matters when buying used cars Let's get practical. For most drivers searching "used cars near me," the real question isn't academic—it's can I finance something today? Lenders look at your credit score as a measure of risk: the number helps them guess how likely you are to pay them back. That's why two buyers can walk into the same used car dealerships, pick the same vehicle, and leave with very different financing stories. If your score is strong, congratulations—check it anyway, because errors on credit reports happen more often than you'd think, and disputing a mistake is free. If your score is shaky, checking it is even more important, because it tells you which doors to knock on first. Knocking on the wrong ones costs you time, and if you need a vehicle for work or family, time is the one thing you don't have to spare. What if your score isn't pretty? (This is where it gets good.) Here's where most credit-score articles end with a shrug and a "good luck out there." Not this one—because here in Central Florida, a less-than-lovely score doesn't have to park your plans. Buy here pay here dealerships exist for exactly this situation: dealerships that finance in-house instead of sending your application off to a bank. But not all buy here pay here car dealers are created equal. Traditional buy here pay here lots are famous for hefty upfront costs and vehicles that get little attention beyond a wash and a shine. OK Carz goes beyond the traditional buy here pay here model—we call it Buy-Here-Pay-Anywhere, and the differences are real: We work with all credit situations through The OK Carz Finance Solution, our in-house financing program. Checked your score and winced? Regardless of your credit score, we welcome your application. All we need are three simple documents to get started: verifiable income, a valid U.S. driver's license, and proof of Florida residence. Your payments go on the record. Our in-house financing reports your payments to all three major credit bureaus—so every timely payment you make becomes a positive entry in your record. (Remember that FICO fact about payment history? This is why it matters.) Down payments tend to be lower than at traditional buy here pay here lots. Our vehicles earn their spot on the lot. OK Carz vehicles go through our reconditioning and two-stage inspection process, are road-tested before sale, and come with a 24-month/24,000-mile limited powertrain warranty (see written warranty for complete terms, conditions, and exclusions). Pay anywhere life takes you —through our online portal, at Walmart or Amscot locations, by mail, or by phone. No driving back to the lot every payday. There's a road forward. After 12 months of timely payments, customers may have the opportunity to qualify for traditional lending through the OK Carz Conquest Program. Check your score, then come see us—wherever you are in Central Florida Searching buy here pay here Tampa, FL? We have two Tampa locations plus Brandon. Buy here pay here Orlando, FL? Find us on East Colonial, West Colonial, and in Kissimmee and Longwood. Drivers hunting for buy here pay here Lakeland, FL or buy here pay here Ocala, FL are covered too—and if you're shopping used cars in Bradenton or near Pinellas Park, the Gulf Coast is ours as well. That's 11 buy here pay here dealerships across Central Florida, open Monday–Saturday, 9 AM–7 PM. So go ahead: pull that free credit report, look your number square in the eye, and then do something about it. Apply for pre-approval online at okcarz.com—it's free and takes less than 2 minutes—or visit any of our 11 locations, where in-person approval normally takes less than 15 minutes. Our inventory of used cars, SUVs, trucks, and minivans moves fast, so don't sit on it. Questions? Call (888) 263-2024. All financing is subject to approval and verification of income, identity, and Florida residency. See dealer for details. OK Carz – Anything Else is NOT OK.

First Things First: Take a Breath Buying your first car is a big deal—and if your credit history is short or nonexistent, it can feel stressful before you even reach a lot. It doesn't have to be. Thousands of first-time buyers across Central Florida shop for used cars every month, and the ones who have the best experience tend to follow the same handful of steps. Here's what to do when you're buying your first car, from the first budget scribble to the moment you drive it off the lot. Step 1: Set Your Budget Before You Shop Before you browse a single listing for used cars near me, figure out what you can comfortably spend. A good rule of thumb is to budget approximately 25% of your income toward a car—though that percentage can vary based on the amount of your down payment and the length of the loan. Remember to leave room for insurance, gas, and registration. A first car should make your life bigger, not your budget tighter. Step 2: Go Used, Not New For a first car, buying used is usually the smarter play—not a consolation prize. A new car loses a big slice of its value the moment it leaves the lot; a used car lets someone else absorb that steepest depreciation while you get more features for your money. Used car dealerships across Central Florida carry late-model sedans, SUVs, and trucks with plenty of life left—and at OK Carz, our inventory spans brands like Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chevrolet, Nissan, and many more. Step 3: Get Pre-Approved Before You Visit Getting pre-approved for vehicle financing is the single smartest move a first-time buyer can make. Pre-approval gives you a clearer picture of where you stand and helps you set your budget before you ever step onto a lot, so you can shop with confidence instead of guessing. If you're looking to finance your vehicle at OK Carz, it is easy to apply for pre-approval: fill out the quick, secure online form at okcarz.com—it's free and takes less than 2 minutes. Step 4: Don't Let a Thin Credit File Scare You First-time buyers often have little or no credit history, and traditional lenders can be a tough door to knock on. That's where buy here pay here dealerships come in—but choose carefully, because not all buy here pay here car dealers work the same way. Traditional buy here pay here lots are known for hefty upfront costs and vehicles that get little attention beyond a wash and a shine. OK Carz goes beyond the traditional buy here pay here model: we work with all credit situations through The OK Carz Finance Solution, our in-house financing program, and no credit? We welcome your application. All we need are three simple documents to get started: verifiable income, a valid U.S. driver's license, and proof of Florida residence. Our down payments tend to be far lower than at traditional buy here pay here lots, and our in-house financing reports your payments to all three major credit bureaus—so every timely payment you make on your first car becomes a positive entry in your record. After 12 months of timely payments, customers may even have the opportunity to qualify for traditional lending through the OK Carz Conquest Program. Step 5: Inspect, Test Drive, and Ask Questions When you find a candidate, give it a real look. Sit in every seat. Check that the air conditioning blows cold—this is Florida, after all. Test the radio, the windows, the wipers. Take it on roads like the ones you actually drive. And ask the dealership what happens to a vehicle before it hits the lot: at OK Carz, our vehicles go through our reconditioning and two-stage inspection process and are road-tested before sale, and OK Carz vehicles come with a 24-month/24,000-mile limited powertrain warranty (see written warranty for complete terms, conditions, and exclusions). Step 6: Buy Where It's Convenient to Pay Here's something most first-time buyers never think to ask: how do I make my payments after I buy? At a traditional buy here pay here lot, the answer is usually "drive back here." OK Carz is Buy-Here-Pay-Anywhere: pay through our online portal, at Walmart or Amscot locations, by mail, or by phone—whatever fits your life. Find Your First Car in Central Florida Wherever you're starting out, there's an OK Carz nearby. Searching buy here pay here Tampa, FL? We have two Tampa locations plus Brandon. Buy here pay here Orlando, FL? Visit East or West Colonial, Kissimmee, or Longwood. Drivers looking for buy here pay here Lakeland, FL or buy here pay here Ocala, FL will find us there too, and if you're shopping used cars in Bradenton or around Pinellas Park, we've got the Gulf Coast covered. That's 11 locations across Central Florida, open Monday–Saturday, 9 AM–7 PM. Our inventory moves fast, so when you're ready, don't sit on it—apply for pre-approval online or call (888) 263-2024. All financing is subject to approval and verification of income, identity, and Florida residency. See dealer for details. OK Carz – Anything Else is NOT OK.

How much of my income should I spend on a car? Financing a car purchase can often be a hassle. The challenge comes with many questions. One of the most important is "How much of my income should I spend on a car?" There are several things to keep in mind when budgeting your car purchase. Used Car Purchase Budgeting A good rule of thumb to use when planning the purchase of a vehicle is to budget approximately 20% of your income towards a car. This percentage can vary based on the amount of your down payment and the length of the loan. Read More: Take a look at these truck models with good fuel economy ratings It is important to take detailed stock of your finances before determining whether it is practical to purchase a newer vehicle. Car Purchase Financing at OK Carz OK Carz works with all credit situations. Our buy here, pay here model allows us to cut out the middleman: financing is handled through The OK Carz Finance Solution, our in-house financing program, and our in-house financing reports your payments to all three major credit bureaus. At OK Carz, car shoppers will be able to find a wide variety of pre-owned vehicles from many different makes and manufacturers. We will be able to find the ideal vehicle that fits your needs as a driver. Read More: How is all-wheel drive different from four-wheel drive? OK Carz offers 11 locations spread across Central Florida. Get in touch with our team right away to begin the process of getting behind the wheel of an excellent pre-owned vehicle that fits your budget. View our selection, or apply for pre-approval online at okcarz.com—it takes less than 2 minutes. All financing is subject to approval and verification of income, identity, and Florida residency. See dealer for details. OK Carz – Anything Else is NOT OK.

Good Credit Car Loans vs Bad Credit Car Loans You may have found a vehicle that you are interested in buying and need to take out a loan to do so. However, your credit score may be less than appealing. Perhaps your credit score may be really high compared to the average person. How exactly does credit affect a car loan? Let's explore the differences you may find in a good credit car loan versus a bad credit car loan. How Credit Impacts How Much You Pay Despite two borrowers requesting the same amount of money from a lender, chances are that they will not pay the same. If one borrower has better credit than the other, that borrower will likely get a lower interest rate from a traditional lender. Not only that, but the person with the higher credit score likely won't be required to pay as much upfront as a down payment. In addition, the borrower with a good credit score will have an easier time getting approved for a traditional car loan than someone with bad credit. Why does this happen? From the lender's perspective, borrowers with higher credit scores are deemed to be less risky. These people have proven to pay their bills on time and the lender will have more security in making sure they get their money. Meanwhile, someone with poor credit may be seen as too risky. They feel there is a much lower chance that a person with poor credit will keep their financial commitments or make timely payments. Therefore, the interest rate is normally increased for poor credit individuals, and getting approved may take longer. What to Do if You Have Bad Credit If you have less than perfect credit, it's okay. The fact is that everyone deserves transportation they can count on to get to work and back home again. We own both our car dealerships and our in-house financing program, The OK Carz Finance Solution. That means OK Carz works with all credit situations—regardless of your credit score, we welcome your application. All we need are three simple documents to get started: verifiable income, a valid U.S. driver's license, and proof of Florida residence. Let us help you get into one of our pre-owned vehicles at one of our 11 Central Florida dealerships today. To get pre-approved, simply fill out and submit our online application at okcarz.com—it takes less than 2 minutes. Need help along the way? Contact our team at (888) 263-2024 and we will answer any questions that may arise. All financing is subject to approval and verification of income, identity, and Florida residency. See dealer for details. OK Carz – Anything Else is NOT OK.

Should you make sure that your used vehicle has a warranty? Buying a car can be one of the most expensive purchases you'll make, so it's likely that you want to make sure that you're protected in case something happens. For accidents, you have insurance, but sometimes things in your vehicle can just go wrong. When you buy a new car, a manufacturer's warranty comes along with it—but that warranty is baked into a much higher price tag. Buying used is often the smarter play: you skip the steepest years of depreciation, get more features for your money, and keep more cash in your pocket—but choosing a used vehicle could mean choosing to go without protection. Used vehicle warranty options If the vehicle you're looking at doesn't have a warranty, you don't necessarily have to worry. It is possible to get an aftermarket warranty from a third-party company. While there are many reputable companies that can sell you an aftermarket warranty, there are others that may have a less than shiny reputation. Before you commit to anything, be sure to do your research and read the coverage terms carefully. When you're buying a used car, you want to make sure that everything goes smoothly. While there are plenty of aftermarket warranty options, it might be easier to find a dealership that provides you with a warranty. At OK Carz, our vehicles go through our reconditioning and two-stage inspection process and come with a 24-month/24,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. See written warranty for complete terms, conditions, and exclusions. For more information, and to learn more about financing options through The OK Carz Finance Solution, visit one of the 11 OK Carz locations across Central Florida. OK Carz – Anything Else is NOT OK.

Bad Credit Auto Loans in Central Florida Buying a used car shouldn't have to be difficult. Unfortunately, buyers with bad credit are often turned away by traditional lenders—and the usual alternative, the traditional buy here pay here lot, can feel like a last resort. The financing may be easy to get, but it often comes with hefty upfront costs and vehicles that have received little attention beyond a wash and a shine. So where can you get a used car loan in Central Florida without settling? Regardless of your credit history, we welcome your application at OK Carz—we work with all credit situations through The OK Carz Finance Solution, our in-house financing program, and we built our Buy-Here-Pay-Anywhere approach to go beyond the traditional buy here pay here model. Apply for Pre-Approval Applying at OK Carz is easy and hassle-free. To get started, fill out the necessary information on our online pre-approval form at okcarz.com. This includes your name, contact information, and address. That's it! It's free, and it takes less than 2 minutes. All we need to get started are three simple documents: verifiable income, a valid U.S. driver's license, and proof of Florida residence. After submitting the form, our team will follow up to go over your options and answer your questions—and when you visit in person, approval normally takes less than 15 minutes. And the differences from a traditional buy here pay here lot don't stop at the application. Our down payments tend to be far lower than at traditional buy here pay here lots. Our vehicles go through our reconditioning and two-stage inspection process and are road-tested before sale—and OK Carz vehicles come with a 24-month/24,000-mile limited powertrain warranty (see written warranty for complete terms, conditions, and exclusions). And once you're driving, you don't have to come back to the lot to make payments: our Buy-Here-Pay-Anywhere approach means you can pay through our online portal, at Walmart or Amscot locations, by mail, or by phone. Used Car Financing from Tampa to Orlando—and Everywhere in Between Wherever you are in Central Florida, there's an OK Carz nearby ready to help. Searching for buy here pay here Tampa, FL? We have two Tampa locations—N. Florida Ave and N. Dale Mabry—plus a third serving the Brandon area. Looking for buy here pay here Orlando, FL? Visit us on East Colonial or West Colonial, or stop by our Kissimmee and Longwood stores. Drivers searching for buy here pay here Lakeland, FL will find us right in the heart of Polk County, and our Ocala dealership serves Marion County and North Central Florida. Shopping for used cars in Bradenton? Our Bradenton location has you covered on the Gulf Coast, along with Pinellas Park for the St. Petersburg and Clearwater area. That's 11 buy here pay here dealerships across Central Florida, each with a wide selection of used cars, SUVs, trucks, and minivans from brands like Toyota, Ford, Chevrolet, Honda, and many more. Our inventory is shared across locations and moves fast—so if you spot the right vehicle, don't sit on it. Of course, if you prefer to talk with us directly when applying, feel free to visit any of our 11 locations Monday–Saturday, 9 AM–7 PM, or call (888) 263-2024. For more tips on financing for a vehicle, check out the OK Carz blog. All financing is subject to approval and verification of income, identity, and Florida residency. See dealer for details. OK Carz – Anything Else is NOT OK.

How long should you finance your vehicle? Financing a vehicle is something that most people have to do. When you finance a vehicle, you essentially break the total cost down into more manageable payments over time. While the obvious benefit is that you don't have to pay the full cost of your vehicle outright, you might end up paying more, depending on how long your loan term is. When you apply for financing, you'll likely want to know how long your vehicle should be financed for. Loans from traditional lenders generally last for two to seven years and are measured in monthly increments. So, a five-year loan is written as being for 60 months. Generally, the more expensive your vehicle, the longer your loan term. When you have a longer loan term, you'll be paying less at a time, but you'll be continuously accumulating interest, which drives up the overall cost you'll be paying for your vehicle. Should you finance with a long or short-term loan? While loans with longer terms are often advised against, for some people, it is the only way they'll be able to afford a vehicle. While you'll save money in the long run with a shorter loan term, you'll end up paying more at a time. With the shorter-term loan, a reasonably priced vehicle can require what seems like exceedingly high payments, but with less interest accruing overall. For drivers who have a strict budget, the longer term's lower cost at a time is much more appealing, and sometimes necessary. There are a lot of factors that can go into deciding your loan terms, and in many cases, your financial situation plays a role. Drivers who are not able to qualify for traditional bank financing can visit OK Carz to learn more about their financing options through The OK Carz Finance Solution, our in-house financing program. Our in-house financing reports your payments to all three major credit bureaus, and after 12 months of timely payments, customers may have the opportunity to qualify for traditional lending through the OK Carz Conquest Program. Apply for pre-approval online at okcarz.com—it takes less than 2 minutes—and visit one of the 11 OK Carz locations across Central Florida to find a used vehicle that works for you. All financing is subject to approval and verification of income, identity, and Florida residency. See dealer for details. OK Carz – Anything Else is NOT OK.

Smart Credit Habits That Pay Off Having bad credit sucks. And a lot of the time, it's not necessarily your fault. Credit fraud can destroy your credit, for instance. People who haven't had a lot of debt or haven't taken out loans also won't have much credit history, resulting in a pretty poor credit score. Don't worry—good credit habits are something you can start practicing today. Here are the ones that matter most. The Habits at a Glance Pay off your credit card at the end of each month Don't miss payments on cards or loans Keep the number of credit cards you carry manageable Only borrow what you can afford Pay Off Your Balance One of the best credit habits is to completely pay off your credit card at the end of every month. If this isn't possible, then consider designating your credit card for only essential bills like utilities, groceries, and gas. Try to keep what you owe below 30% of your credit limit if completely paying off your credit card isn't something that you can do reliably. Do Not Miss Payments Missing a payment here or there isn't great, but it's not the end of the world. Consistently missing payments is terrible. Timely payments show lenders that you are responsible and that they will get the money owed to them if they were to lend to you. Prioritize making your payments on time, every time—according to FICO's published breakdown, payment history is the single biggest factor in computing your credit score. Have Only a Few Cards If you don't have a credit card, get one, and only one. If you have multiple cards, try consolidating them. Pay off cards with low balances and either stop using them altogether or cancel them. If you have more than three credit cards, you may be shooting yourself in the financial foot. Need a Car, But Have Bad Credit? Here at OK Carz, we work with all credit situations through The OK Carz Finance Solution—bad credit, no credit, we welcome your application. All we need are three simple documents to get started: verifiable income, a valid U.S. driver's license, and proof of Florida residence. And our in-house financing reports your payments to all three major credit bureaus, so every timely payment you make becomes a positive entry in your record. Apply for pre-approval online at okcarz.com—it takes less than 2 minutes—or ask about trading in your old vehicle. All financing is subject to approval and verification of income, identity, and Florida residency. See dealer for details. OK Carz – Anything Else is NOT OK.

Can you get a car loan with no credit? Even if you are considering a used vehicle, it is likely that you'll need financial assistance to complete the purchase. Buying a car is expensive, and having a vehicle is generally considered a necessity, so in order to make the transaction, most people turn to auto loans. However, in order to qualify for financing, most lending agencies want to make sure that you aren't a risk, and the way they do that is by considering your credit score, making it hard to receive a car loan if you don't have any credit. The system of scoring credit is incredibly nebulous, and most people tend to ignore anything to do with it until they absolutely have to. There are many myths about credit scores that are spread that make people frightened to even look at their credit report. When you're first starting out, not having any credit can make you seem like a liability to a lender, even if you have all the makings of a responsible borrower. If you don't have any credit history, an installment loan paid on time becomes part of your credit record. Where to go to get an auto loan As mentioned, it can be difficult to get a loan without credit, though it is not impossible. If you have a savings and checking account, visit your bank to ask them about the possibility of a loan. It is encouraged for you to bring proof that you are able to pay recurring bills like a utility or phone bill, and that you are employed with a consistent stream of income. Even without those, you can see if someone you know would be willing to be a co-signer. This can be tricky, as this puts both of you on the line if you miss payments, but it is a way to get qualified for a loan. If neither of these tactics works, or if you're looking for a second option, you are able to go directly through a car dealership like OK Carz. We work with all credit situations through The OK Carz Finance Solution, our in-house financing program—no credit? We welcome your application. You can apply for pre-approval online at okcarz.com before you even go to the lot—it takes less than 2 minutes. And our in-house financing reports your payments to all three major credit bureaus, plus you get the convenience of Buy-Here-Pay-Anywhere payment options: online, at Walmart or Amscot locations, by mail, or by phone. All financing is subject to approval and verification of income, identity, and Florida residency. See dealer for details. OK Carz – Anything Else is NOT OK.

How do student loans affect getting a car loan? As a young adult, there are two big investments you're going to have to choose to make. One is deciding to go to college, and the other is buying a vehicle. Both can be financially draining, and it is likely that you will need financial assistance. The best way to finance going to school or getting a car is through loans. The majority of Americans are saddled with a student loan payment, which can be both a good and bad thing. If you are struggling to pay your minimum payment, and are missing payments because of it, you can be doing damage to your credit score. If you are making your payments on time, it will reflect well on your credit score, which can be beneficial when you're applying for a car loan. Should you apply for a car loan? If you are struggling to pay your student loans as it is, adding another loan payment is just going to bury you deeper in debt and hurt your credit score even more. However, if you have a student loan and have some excess money every month to dedicate to making the additional loan payment, upgrading your vehicle or getting a car for the first time can be a smart step toward getting your life on track. Even if you had trouble with your student loans in the past and those issues left a black mark on your credit score, you can still apply for a car loan—and at OK Carz, we welcome your application. We work with all credit situations through The OK Carz Finance Solution, and our in-house financing reports your payments to all three major credit bureaus. After 12 months of timely payments, customers may have the opportunity to qualify for traditional lending through the OK Carz Conquest Program. While it can be tempting to immediately jump into a new car, opting for a used vehicle might be the best choice for you, financially. OK Carz has a wide range of used vehicle options across our 11 dealership locations in Central Florida. Stop by today to view the inventory and speak to an expert about financing, or apply for pre-approval online at okcarz.com—it takes less than 2 minutes. All financing is subject to approval and verification of income, identity, and Florida residency. See dealer for details. OK Carz – Anything Else is NOT OK.

Included Powertrain Warranty for Cars Sold at OK Carz A big fear that many car buyers have when purchasing a used vehicle is wondering what happens if something goes wrong after they drive home. Here at OK Carz, our vehicles go through our reconditioning and two-stage inspection process and are road-tested before sale—and OK Carz vehicles come with a 24-month/24,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. How Long is the Powertrain Warranty at OK Carz? OK Carz vehicles come with a 24-month/24,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. See written warranty for complete terms, conditions, and exclusions. For all the coverage details, review your written warranty or call our team at (888) 263-2024. Test Drive a Used Car in Central Florida Are you searching for a car that can get you to your destination? Need to stick to a certain budget? Here at OK Carz, we offer a large selection of pre-owned vehicles with a variety of drivetrains, body types, and price ranges across our 11 Central Florida locations. If you are looking to test drive a used car in Central Florida, look no further than OK Carz. Want more details? Maybe you're looking for financial tips. Browse the OK Carz blog for more posts like this. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us and we will get you the answers you need. OK Carz – Anything Else is NOT OK.

Ways to Make a Used Car Feel Like New For many people, buying a used car makes the most practical sense. If you choose a used vehicle from the last decade, you are likely going to find a vehicle that offers a ton of new features and has the reliability we've come to expect from our vehicles. However, when you buy a used vehicle, you may feel like you're missing out on some of the perks of a new car. Of course, one of the biggest draws of a new car is that everything is new. There isn't any wear and tear from previous owners, and everything is in pristine condition. While a used car has the weight of past owners, you can still make your used vehicle feel like new with a little bit of work. Cleaning Your Vehicle When you are cleaning your vehicle, it is easy to just zip through one of those automatic car washes. While that can be fun, it isn't the best way to clean your vehicle. Spend a weekend with a bucket and a sponge, and thoroughly clean your car. You can invest in all the fancy car cleaning supplies, or you can use baking soda and water to clean the body of your car. Most experts suggest not using dish or hand soap, as they can hurt your car's paint job. An aspect that is often overlooked is the headlights of your vehicle. Your used vehicle might have cloudy headlights, which can diminish visibility and look unsightly. You can buy kits that will help shine and clean away the haze, or you can use toothpaste to help get the gunk off. Don't overlook the details There are some little things that you can upgrade to help make your car look good as new. If the seats are kind of outdated or if they look like they've taken a beating, you can easily fix them by buying some seat covers. You can also upgrade features like the tires, brakes, windshield wipers, or lightbulbs to make sure that all of the aspects of your vehicle are brand new, even if the car isn't. Or here's a thought: skip the bucket and the toothpaste altogether. OK Carz vehicles are detailed as part of our reconditioning and two-stage inspection process before they ever reach the lot—so that fresh, just-detailed feeling is already waiting for you on day one. Add one of the many bottled varieties of new car smell, and your "new-to-you" car checks off the biggest new-car perks on the list. Hop over to OK Carz to take a look at a used vehicle. If your credit score is what's keeping you from your next car, OK Carz works with all credit situations through The OK Carz Finance Solution—regardless of your credit score, we welcome your application. It is easy to apply for pre-approval online, and it takes less than 2 minutes. All financing is subject to approval and verification of income, identity, and Florida residency. See dealer for details. OK Carz – Anything Else is NOT OK.