Wondering how to buy a car when strapped for cash? Ed Hicks Nissan in Corpus Christi, TX, shares smart tips on affording a car to help you get behind the wheel.
If you’re thinking, I need a car but can’t afford one, you’re not alone. And you’re not stuck. Whether your old car just quit or you’re shopping for your first set of wheels, the price of a vehicle can feel intimidating, especially if your budget is tight.
The good news is, Ed Hicks Nissan is here to help you figure out how to buy a car without money upfront and still get a dependable, affordable vehicle that fits your lifestyle.
Before you visit the dealership or scroll through listings, take a moment to set a realistic budget.
A good rule of thumb is to keep your car payment under 10% of your monthly take-home pay. Total car-related expenses — including your loan, gas, insurance, and maintenance — should stay below 15-20% of your monthly income.
If you don’t have savings set aside, you might be wondering, “How can I afford a new car?!” While putting down 10-20% can help lower your monthly payment, it’s not always required. Ed Hicks Nissan can help you explore the right payment financing options.
A car payment calculator is a great way to explore what fits your budget. Want guidance? Our finance team is always ready to walk you through the numbers.
Looking at used or Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) cars can be a smart move when you need a new ride but don’t have a big budget to work with. Nissan Certified Pre-Owned vehicles, which have passed a 167-point inspection and come with a limited warranty. They deliver the reliability you need at a price your budget can handle.
We also offer a strong lineup of used cars under $15,000 to help you get the wheels you need.
3. Take Advantage of Special Offers
Stretch your budget further by tapping into dealership specials. At Ed Hicks Nissan, we constantly offer deals and incentives to help make your next vehicle more affordable and accessible. Regularly check offers on new and used vehicles to find the right fit for your budget.
If you’re short on cash, financing might be the key to unlocking car ownership. By choosing the financing route, you can:
Financing allows you to pay for your car over several years, making it easier to afford even when you have limited upfront funds.
Financing can help you move into a newer or higher-quality vehicle than you might be able to afford with cash alone.
On-time loan payments can help improve your credit score, which opens more doors in the future.
Our finance team can help you navigate loan options, even if your credit isn’t perfect. You can also apply for pre-approval online to streamline your dealership visit.
If you have a vehicle to trade in, it can help significantly lower the cost of your next car. With a trade-in, you can:
Get an online trade-in estimate from Ed Hicks Nissan to see how much your current vehicle is worth before visiting.
If your credit score is holding you back from loan approval, consider asking a trusted family member or friend to co-sign.
A co-signer with good credit can:
Make sure you choose someone you trust, and who trusts you, because they are agreeing to share legal responsibility for the loan.
Sometimes sharing the cost and ownership of a car with a partner, family member, or roommate makes financial sense. Unlike a co-signer, both parties are co-owners, splitting both the payments and the benefits. This option works best when you have clear communication and trust.
At Ed Hicks Nissan in Corpus Christi, we understand that needing a car but feeling like you can’t afford one is stressful. That’s why we offer flexible financing, affordable used options, trade-in support, and special deals to help make car ownership possible.Visit us today to explore your options, take a test drive, and let our team help you figure out the smartest path forward for your needs and budget.
