At Destin Autos, we’ve helped hundreds of families across the Emerald Coast find reliable used SUVs that fit their lives and their budgets. This guide gives you the real information you need — the kind we’d share with our own family members. No pressure. No surprises. Just honest guidance from your neighbors who happen to sell cars.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
- How to get prequalified (without hurting your credit) so you know your real budget
- What your monthly payment actually includes — not just the loan
- Smart down payment strategies that make sense for your situation
- How to spot financing tricks some dealers use (and how we do things differently)
- Ways to bring your spouse or partner on board with confidence
- What to bring to speed things up when you’re ready
- Special considerations for our military families
We’re Not Here to Sell You — We’re Here to Help You Decide
We’ve seen too many good people stress themselves out over car financing, and honestly, it doesn’t have to be that complicated.
Whether you’re a new parent looking for something safe and dependable, a military family planning a move, or just someone who values their time and wants a straightforward process, we want you to feel confident before you ever walk into our showroom. (New parents may also want to check out our Family SUV Financing Guide for tips specific to growing families.)
Getting Prequalified: Know Your Number Before You Shop
The first step to buying with confidence
Here’s something we tell everyone: get prequalified before you start seriously looking at vehicles. This isn’t about commitment — it’s about power. When you know what you can afford and what rate you qualify for, you’re in control of the conversation. Learn more about our financing options.
Why This Matters
A prequalification tells you three critical things:
- How much you can borrow
- What interest rate you’ll likely get
- What your monthly payment range looks like
Good news: Most prequalifications use a “soft pull” on your credit, which means they won’t hurt your score.
Where to Get Prequalified
We recommend checking at least three places:
- Your local credit union (we work with several great ones here on the Emerald Coast)
- Your bank or a major online lender
- For military families: check your base credit union — they often have special rates
Quick tip: If you apply to multiple lenders within a two-week window, the credit bureaus treat it as one inquiry. So don’t be shy about shopping around.
According to Experian’s Q2 2025 data, the average used car loan rate was 11.54%, but your rate will vary based on your credit score. Borrowers with excellent credit (781-850) averaged around 5.25% for new cars, while those with lower credit scores faced significantly higher rates.
What You’ll Need
Documents for Prequalification
- Recent pay stubs or tax returns if you’re self-employed
- Your current address and employment information
- Information about any existing debts (other car payments, student loans, etc.)
The whole process usually takes about 15 minutes per lender. Save those approval letters — they’re gold when it comes time to negotiate.
For Our Military Families
If you’re active duty or a veteran, make sure to check military-specific lenders and your base credit union. Many offer special rates and programs that respect your unique situation, especially around deployments and PCS moves. We’re here to help you navigate those options.
Understanding Your True Monthly Cost
Your car payment is just one part of the picture
Here’s where a lot of folks get surprised: your car payment is just one part of what you’ll actually spend each month. Let’s be honest about the full picture.
Your Real Monthly Budget
Let’s say you’re looking at a $28,000 SUV from our used SUV inventory. You put $5,000 down and finance $23,000 at about 6% for five years. Your loan payment might be around $445 per month.
But here’s what you’re really paying:
Real Monthly Cost Breakdown
We’re not trying to scare you off — we just want you to go in with your eyes open. The last thing we want is for someone to get a great vehicle and then feel stressed about the actual cost.
Comparing Your Options
When you’re deciding between different loan terms, here’s a simple way to think about it:
✓ Shorter Loan (48 months)
- Higher monthly payments
- Pay less interest overall
- Own it faster
⚠ Longer Loan (72 months)
- Lower monthly payments
- Pay more interest overall
- Takes longer to build equity
Neither is “wrong” — it depends on what matters more to you right now: monthly breathing room or total cost.
Important: Try not to go longer than 72 months. After that, you’re paying so much in interest that it rarely makes sense.
Down Payments: Finding Your Sweet Spot
What actually makes sense for your situation
People often ask us: “How much should I put down?” The honest answer is: it depends on your situation.
The Traditional Answer
You’ll hear that 20% down is the magic number. And sure, it often gets you the best rates. But that’s not always realistic or even the smartest move.
The Real-World Answer
For most of our customers, putting down 15% hits a sweet spot. It’s enough to:
- Get you close to the best interest rates
- Lower your monthly payment significantly
- Still leave you with some cash for emergencies
On a $26,000 SUV, that’s about $3,900 down.
But — and this is important — don’t drain your savings to hit that number. Cars need maintenance. Life happens. You need a cushion.
What If You Can’t Put That Much Down?
We work with families putting down 10% or less all the time. Yes, you’ll pay a bit more in interest, and your monthly payment will be higher. But if that’s what works for your situation right now, that’s okay. We’d rather see you keep some savings for emergencies than stretch yourself too thin.
Using Your Trade-In
If you have a trade-in, that equity counts as your down payment. We recommend getting a few offers before you come see us:
- Check Kelley Blue Book’s instant offer
- Get quotes from CarMax or Carvana
- Ask around at other dealers
- Get a quote from us at Destin Autos
Pro tip: When you know what your vehicle is worth, you’re negotiating from a position of strength. And honestly? If someone else offers more for your trade, we want to know about it. We’ll do our best to match or beat it.
How We Do Things Differently at Destin Autos
Our transparency promise
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: dealership financing has a bad reputation. Some of it’s earned. But that’s not how we operate. See our financing options and you’ll understand the difference.
Our Transparency Promise
When you finance with us, here’s what you can expect:
Everything in Writing: Every number — the interest rate, the term, any fees — goes on paper before you sign anything. No surprises at the closing table.
No Payment Games: Some dealers focus only on monthly payment and then extend the loan term to make it look affordable. We show you the full picture: monthly payment, total interest, and what you’ll pay over the life of the loan.
Your Rate Is Your Rate: If you come in with a preapproval at 5.5%, we’re not going to mark it up. If we can beat it through one of our lending partners, great. If not, we’ll help you use your own financing.
No Pressure on Add-Ons: Extended warranties, paint protection, gap insurance — these can be valuable, but they’re not for everyone. We’ll explain what they are, but we won’t push them on you. And you never have to decide about them on the spot.
Take Your Time: We know that for many people, especially new parents and folks going through big life changes, this decision is stressful. We’re not going to rush you. If you need to sleep on it, talk it over with your spouse, or do more research, we respect that.
Why We Care About This
We’re part of this community. We see you at the grocery store, at youth sports games, on base. Our reputation matters to us — not just for business, but because we have to live here too. When you drive off our lot, we want you feeling good about your decision for years to come, not just for the first week. Learn more about our story and commitment to the Emerald Coast.
Special Considerations for Military Families
We’re proud to serve those who serve
We’re proud to serve the military community here on the Emerald Coast. We understand that your situation comes with unique challenges and timelines.
What We Know About Military Life
PCS Timelines Are Real: When you get orders, you don’t have six months to find a car. We can move quickly when you need us to, and we have streamlined processes for active-duty members.
Deployment Matters: If you’re deploying soon, we can help you think through what makes sense — whether that’s buying now or waiting until you return.
Military Lending Programs: We work with lenders who understand military life and offer specialized programs. According to Bankrate, credit unions like Navy Federal offer some of the most competitive rates for military members. We’ll help you find the best fit.
Respect Goes Both Ways: You’ve served our country. The least we can do is treat you with the respect and straightforwardness you deserve. That means honest pricing, clear communication, and no games.
What We Offer
- Military appreciation pricing on our entire inventory
- Partnerships with military-focused lenders
- Fast processing when you’re working against a PCS deadline
- Understanding of your unique documentation needs (LES, orders, etc.)
We don’t just put a “We Support the Troops” sticker in the window. We show it in how we do business. For a complete walkthrough tailored to military buyers, check out our Military SUV Buying Guide for Eglin, Hurlburt & Tyndall families.
Getting Your Spouse or Partner on Board
This might be the trickiest part of the whole process. Here’s what we’ve learned from hundreds of couples who’ve come through our doors.
Why It’s Complicated
Car buying involves three things that stress people out:
- A lot of money
- Different priorities (safety vs. cost, features vs. practicality)
- Uncertainty about whether you’re making the right choice
Start with Common Ground
Before you dive into specific vehicles, agree on the non-negotiables:
- Maximum monthly payment (including insurance and fuel)
- Must-have safety features
- Reliability standards (Will you accept an older vehicle if it saves money?)
When couples skip this step, they end up spinning their wheels looking at cars that one person will never agree to.
Use Real Numbers
“This SUV costs $465 a month including insurance. That’s $85 more than we pay now, but we’d save about $100 a month in repairs based on what we’ve been spending. So it’s really only $15 more, and we get better safety features and reliability.”
Address the Real Concerns
For the protective parent: Focus on safety features, reliability ratings, and how much time you’ll save not dealing with repairs. Our Used SUV Safety Checklist for New Parents can help you identify exactly what to look for.
For the budget-conscious spouse: Show the total cost of ownership, not just the sticker price. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront saves money over time.
For the overwhelmed partner: Simplify the choices. Don’t bring home ten different options. Narrow it to two or three based on your agreed criteria, and make it easy to compare them side by side.
Give each other permission: Sometimes one person just needs to hear: “I trust you to make a good decision on this.” If you’ve done your homework and you’re staying within your agreed budget, that trust goes a long way.
What to Bring When You’re Ready
Want to make the process as smooth as possible? Here’s what helps:
Essential Documents
- Driver’s license
- Proof of insurance (or insurance quotes on the vehicle you’re considering)
- Recent pay stubs or tax returns
- Information about your current car loan (if you’re trading in)
- Your prequalification letters
Nice to Have
- Maintenance records for your trade-in (shows you’ve taken care of it)
- List of questions you want answered
- Calculator (or just use your phone)
When you bring everything upfront, we can usually get you through the process in 2-3 hours instead of coming back multiple times.
Understanding Loan Terms (The Fine Print That Matters)
Interest rates get all the attention, but other parts of your loan matter just as much.
Simple vs. Precomputed Interest
Most auto loans use simple interest, which is good for you. It means if you pay extra toward principal or pay off your loan early, you save money on interest.
Some loans use precomputed interest, which front-loads the interest into your payment schedule. If you pay extra or pay off early, you don’t save as much. Always ask which type you’re getting.
Prepayment Penalties
Most car loans don’t have prepayment penalties, but always confirm this. You want the flexibility to pay extra when you can.
Gap Insurance
If you put less than 20% down, gap insurance is worth considering. It covers the difference between what you owe and what insurance pays if your vehicle is totaled.
Shop around: We offer gap insurance, but so do many insurance companies — sometimes for less.
Extended Warranties: Yes or No?
This is one of the most common questions we get, and the honest answer is: it depends.
✓ When They Make Sense
- Buying a vehicle with higher miles (over 75,000)
- You don’t have a cushion for unexpected repairs
- Buying a European brand known for expensive repairs
- You want predictable costs and peace of mind
✗ When You Might Skip It
- Buying a newer, lower-mileage vehicle
- You have a solid emergency fund
- You’re handy with repairs or have a trusted mechanic
- The warranty costs more than you’d likely spend
Our Advice
Never decide on an extended warranty during the initial purchase. Take a few days to:
- Research independent warranty companies (they’re often cheaper)
- Read what’s actually covered and what’s excluded
- Compare prices from multiple sources
- Think about your actual risk tolerance
Something most dealers won’t tell you: Many extended warranties can be cancelled within 30-60 days for a full refund if you change your mind.
The Pre-Purchase Inspection: Your Best Protection
Before you buy any used vehicle — from us or anyone else — get it inspected by an independent mechanic. Yes, even if we’ve already inspected it.
Why This Matters
According to NerdWallet and Progressive, a good inspection typically costs between $100-300 and can catch problems that might cost thousands down the road. It’s the best money you’ll spend in this whole process.
What to Look For
Find a mechanic who specializes in the brand you’re buying. They’ll know the common issues for that make and model. Ask them to check:
- Engine and transmission
- Frame and undercarriage (rust is real in coastal Florida)
- Suspension and steering
- Electronics and AC (crucial down here)
- Evidence of any previous damage or repairs
Red flag: If a dealer refuses to let you get an independent inspection, walk away.
Our Policy
We encourage inspections. In fact, we’ll even give you a list of local mechanics we trust if you want recommendations. We’re confident in our vehicles, and we want you to be confident too.
When to Consider Refinancing
Your loan isn’t set in stone. Refinancing can save you real money if your situation changes.
Good Reasons to Refinance
- Your credit score has improved significantly (40+ points)
- Interest rates have dropped since you bought your car
- You want to shorten your loan term
- You’re struggling with your current payment and need relief
The Math Has to Work
Don’t refinance just because you can. Calculate whether you’ll actually save money after fees. Generally, refinancing makes sense if you can drop your rate by at least 1.5% and you have at least two years left on your loan.
Timing Matters
Most lenders want to see at least six months of on-time payments before they’ll refinance. Some want a year. Plan ahead if you know your credit is improving or rates are dropping.
Making Your Final Decision: A Simple Framework
At some point, you need to stop researching and make a decision. Here’s how to know you’re ready.
Set Your Decision Criteria Upfront
My Vehicle Criteria
- Max monthly payment (including insurance): $_______
- Minimum safety rating: _______
- Required features: _______
- Maximum miles: _______
- Maximum age: _______
When you find a vehicle that meets all your criteria and fits your budget, you buy it. Don’t keep looking for something “better.”
The 48-Hour Rule
If you’re feeling uncertain, take 48 hours. Sleep on it. Talk it over. Run the numbers again. But don’t stretch it to two weeks — that’s just anxiety talking.
Trust Your Research
If you’ve done your homework — checked the vehicle history, had it inspected, compared financing options, and talked it through with your partner — trust yourself. You’ve put in the work. Now browse our used SUV inventory to find the right fit.
What Happens After You Buy
Your relationship with your vehicle doesn’t end when you drive off the lot. Here’s how to stay on top of things.
The First 6 Months
Set a calendar reminder to check:
- Are there any refinancing opportunities that would save you money?
- Is your insurance rate still competitive?
- Have you been keeping up with maintenance?
The One-Year Mark
Check your vehicle’s current value. If it’s held its value well and you got a longer loan term, you might consider refinancing to a shorter term if your budget allows.
Reassess your warranty decision. If you bought an extended warranty and haven’t needed it, you might cancel it and get a prorated refund.
18-24 Months Out
Look at your remaining loan balance vs. your vehicle’s value. If you have good equity and your family’s needs have changed, this is a reasonable time to consider trading up. But if your vehicle is serving you well, driving it longer is almost always the better financial move.
A Word About Our Community
We love serving the Emerald Coast. This is home for us — our kids go to school here, we shop at the same stores you do, we worry about the same storms. When you buy from Destin Autos, you’re not just getting a vehicle; you’re supporting a local business that cares about this community.
We sponsor youth sports. We support military families. We hire locally. When you spend your money here, more of it stays here.
Your Next Step
If you’re thinking about a used SUV, here’s what we recommend:
- Check your credit score (free through your bank or Credit Karma)
- Get prequalified with 2-3 lenders
- Figure out your realistic budget (including insurance and maintenance)
- Talk it through with your spouse or partner
- Browse our used SUV inventory online
- Explore financing options
- Come see us when you’re ready — or just call with questions
We’re here Monday through Saturday. Stop by for coffee even if you’re just starting to think about it. No pressure, no hard sell — just honest conversation about what might work for your situation. Visit our About page to learn more about our team and values.
Ready to Explore Your Financing Options?
We’re not perfect, but we’re honest. What we promise is transparency, respect, and no games. If you give us a chance, we think you’ll see the difference.