Used Car Specials in Waukee, IA

If you're looking for a quality pre-owned vehicle without breaking the bank, Iowa's used car market offers plenty of opportunities to find the perfect vehicle that fits your needs and budget. At Stivers Ford Lincoln in Waukee, Iowa, we understand that buying a used car is a significant investment, which is why we constantly update our inventory with the best used car specials to help you drive home happy.

Finding the Best Used Car Specials in Iowa

The hunt for the best used car deals right now doesn't have to be complicated. There are plenty of quality pre-owned vehicles available at attractive prices. The key is knowing where to look and when to buy.

Watch out for seasonal sales events throughout the year. These used car sales events often coincide with new model releases, end-of-quarter targets, or holiday weekends, times when dealers are more motivated to move inventory off the lot. If you time your purchase well, you can take advantage of these opportunities to get a great car at an even better price. 

At Stivers Ford Lincoln, we have a special offers section where you can see our current deals on used vehicles. We update these listings regularly so you can find the best deals all in one location.

Top Certified Preowned Deals

Certified preowned (CPO) deals let you buy a new or nearly new car without the new-car price tag. All of our Certified Pre-Owned vehicles go through a detailed inspection and come with added warranty coverage, so you can drive home with confidence.

Ford's CPO program stands out with its Blue Advantage options and Gold levels. Both the Blue and Gold levels come packed with solid coverage:

• Bumper-to-bumper warranty: Blue extends the original three-year/36,000-mile warranty by 90 days or 40,000 miles. Gold and electric vehicle (EV) plans add one year or 12,000 miles to the original three-year/36,000-mile warranty.
• Powertrain Warranty:  Blue adds 90 days/4,000 miles to the five-year/60,000-mile coverage. Gold adds two years/40,000 miles. EVs include an eight-year/100,000-mile limited warranty.

They also include 24/7 roadside assistance and a vehicle history report.

The beauty of CPO programs is that they take the guesswork out of buying used. You can rest assured that you're getting a reliable, thoroughly inspected vehicle. For example, Ford Gold-certified vehicles pass a 172-point inspection, Blue vehicles pass a 139-point inspection, and EVs pass a 127-point inspection. While CPO vehicles might cost slightly more than standard used cars, the added benefits and peace of mind make them worth considering. 

To make the deal even sweeter, CPO Ford vehicles offer 5.49% financing for up to 60 months, while CPO Lincoln vehicles get 4.49% financing for up to 48 months on select models for a limited period.

Brand-Specific Used Car Deals

Different manufacturers offer varying levels of value in the used market. Some brands are known for holding their value well, while others depreciate faster but offer excellent value for budget-conscious shoppers.

• Ford: You can get 5.49% annual percentage rate (APR) financing for up to 60 months for CPO models.
• Lincoln: You can get 4.49% APR financing for up to 48 months on select CPO models for a limited period.
• Toyota: You can get financing as low as 5.49% APR for 60 months on select certified pre-owned models, including the Tundra, RAV4, Highlander, Corolla, Corolla Cross, Camry, and the all-electric bZ4X, as well as hybrid variants.
• Lexus: You can get 3.99% APR for up to 72 months on select RZ models and 5.75% APR for up to 72 months on select certified pre-owned models, including the IS, ES, UX, NX, RX, GX, and hybrid models.

When comparing brands, consider not just the upfront cost but also long-term reliability, maintenance expenses, and fuel economy. Some vehicles might cost more initially, but will save you money over time through better reliability and lower operating costs.

Financing and Negotiating Used Car Specials

Getting the right used car financing deal is just as important as finding the right pre-owned car. Before heading to the dealership, check your credit score and understand how it will impact your loan options. A higher score typically means better interest rates and more favorable terms.

Many shoppers don't realize that 0-down car financing options exist for used vehicles, too. These programs can help you get behind the wheel with minimal upfront costs, though they typically require good credit. Remember that putting some money down usually results in better loan terms and lower monthly payments.

When negotiating, knowledge is power. Research the market value of any vehicle you're interested in using resources such as Kelley Blue Book. Come prepared with information about comparable vehicles in your area to strengthen your negotiating position.

Don't focus solely on the monthly payment. Consider the total cost of ownership, including interest paid over the life of the loan. Sometimes, a slightly higher monthly payment with a shorter loan term saves you money overall.

If you're ready to explore financing options, you can get preapproved online before visiting the dealership. This gives you a better understanding of your budget, strengthens your negotiating position, and helps you take advantage of the best used car deals right now.

Maintenance and Warranty Considerations

Even the best used car deals need proper vehicle maintenance to remain reliable. When evaluating a used vehicle, always check its service history. Regular maintenance is a good indicator that the previous owner took care of the car.

Once you've made your purchase, follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance. Regular oil changes, filter replacements, and fluid checks help extend your vehicle's life span and prevent costly repairs down the road. Pay special attention to:

• Oil change intervals 
• Tire rotation and alignment
• Brake inspections
• Battery health

Many used cars still carry some factory warranty coverage. For vehicles outside of their original warranty, extended coverage options are worth considering. These plans can protect you from unexpected repair costs, especially for major components such as the engine and transmission.

For top-quality service after your purchase, consider bringing your vehicle to a certified service center that specializes in your make and model. Factory-trained technicians using genuine parts can help maintain your vehicle's performance and value.

Ready To Get Your Used Car in Iowa Today?

Now's the perfect time to take advantage of our used car specials at Stivers Ford Lincoln. With our extensive inventory of quality pre-owned vehicles, flexible financing options, and expert service department, we make the car-buying process straightforward and enjoyable. Visit our used car specials page to see our current offerings, or stop by our dealership in Waukee to find the perfect vehicle that fits your lifestyle and budget. Don't wait. The best deals don't last long.