Used Cars Buyer's Guide
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Everything you need to choose the right car with confidence — types explained, how to pick, new vs used, financing 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
car Types Explained
From towable trailers to drive-anywhere cars, here's how the main car categories compare. Tap any type to browse that inventory.
SUV
The most popular car in America. Towed behind an SUV or truck with a standard ball hitch, SUVs range from lightweight teardrops to spacious family features with slide-outs, bunkhouses and outdoor kitchens.
Best for: versatile families and first-timers who already own a capable tow vehicle.
Browse SUVs
truck
Roomy, residential-style trailers that connect to a special hitch mounted in a pickup bed. The raised front section creates a bi-level layout with tall ceilings, big kitchens and private bedrooms — a favorite for full-timers.
Best for: full-time living, long trips, and buyers with a three-quarter or one-ton pickup.
Browse trucks
Class A Car
The largest cars, built on a heavy-duty chassis with a flat front and panoramic windshield. Class A rigs offer the most living space, storage and luxury features, and drive off the lot ready to roll — no tow vehicle needed.
Best for: luxury travel, extended trips, and owners who want a true home on wheels.
Browse Class A Cars
Class C Car
Built on a van or truck cutaway chassis with the signature over-cab sleeping area. Class C cars balance living space, drivability and value, and often sleep large families comfortably.
Best for: families who want a drivable car that is easier to handle than a Class A.
Browse Class C Cars
Class B Camper Van
Compact, nimble van conversions that drive and park like a large van. Class B campers pack a bed, kitchenette and wet bath into an efficient footprint, and are perfect for spontaneous weekend escapes.
Best for: couples, solo travelers and adventurers who value fuel economy and easy parking.
Browse Class B Camper Vans
Toy Hauler
Available as SUVs or trucks, toy haulers add a reinforced rear garage with a fold-down ramp for ATVs, dirt bikes, kayaks and gear. When the toys come out, the garage converts to extra living or sleeping space.
Best for: powersports and outdoor enthusiasts who bring the fun along.
Browse Toy Haulers
Pop-Up Camper
Lightweight, collapsible campers that fold down flat for towing and easy storage, then expand into a tent-topped shelter with real beds. An affordable, easy-to-tow step up from tent camping.
Best for: budget-minded weekenders and small tow vehicles.
Browse Pop-Up Campers
Small Camper
Compact and expandable trailers that keep towing weight low while still offering sleeping space, a galley and climate comfort. A great middle ground between a pop-up and a full SUV.
Best for: couples and small families wanting simple, tow-friendly camping.
Browse Small Campers
Truck Camper
A self-contained unit that loads into the bed of a pickup, turning your truck into a go-anywhere camper. Off-load it at camp and keep your truck free to explore. Ideal for off-grid and off-road adventures.
Best for: off-road explorers and hunters who want maximum go-anywhere freedom.
Browse Truck CampersDecision 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. Our financing keeps the up-front cost low — 10% down and rates as low as 8.99% APR.
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
Paying For It
Financing Basics
Most buyers finance their car rather than paying all at once. The idea is simple: a modest down payment plus a comfortable monthly payment spread over a long term. Here's how it works at Used Cars.
10% Down
Site-wide down payment to get you on the road for less up front.
As Low As 8.99% APR
Competitive rates for qualified buyers, with fast approvals.
Up To 240 Months
Long terms keep your monthly payment comfortably low.
No Credit Impact
Pre-qualify in minutes with a soft check — no hit to your score.
Under $5,000 Notice
Vehicles under $5,000 are sold on a 0% interest installment plan — 12 monthly payments with $0 down — instead of traditional financing.
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 does financing an car work at Used Cars?
We keep it simple: 10% down site-wide, rates as low as 8.99% APR, and terms up to 240 months. You can pre-qualify in minutes with no impact to your credit. Vehicles under $5,000 are offered on a 0% interest installment plan — 12 monthly payments with $0 down.
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 added to your down payment — 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.