Buying a new car is a big step in one’s adult life. Whether it’s your first time or you need a new one, it’s a lot to think about since it involves money that you worked hard for. But it doesn’t have to be intimidating or daunting.
Are you buying a new or a used car?
If you’re planning on buying a car, of course, you first need to acknowledge how much you can afford. Whichever you choose, it’s going to be worth it if you’ll be smart about it.
While buying a new car is more reliable, a secondhand one is more affordable. Although it requires more inspection and if unfortunately, you bought one with certain damages, including its repair can be almost as expensive as buying a new one.
Then again, as long as you’re meticulous about every part of it, it’s going to be worth your time and money. But first, you need a few reminders to keep in mind as you do your research.
Buy only what you can afford.
Your dream car can be too ambitious when you are younger. Now that you have your career and your bills and other payments, it becomes harder and harder to buy your dream car. Thus, you’ve learned how to be realistic about the things you want.
Purchasing a car according to your needs is a good way to start. Depending on how many you are in the family and how often you will use it. With this, you can know how much to plan for and how much exactly you’re paying for without overpaying or getting upside down.
Base your purchase on price, not on monthly payments.
Don’t be misled by notorious dealers when they offer an enticing monthly payment. You’re in the right to negotiate because it is your decision on which to buy and which method to use. Make sure that you know the entire full purchase before concluding your purchase. This way, you can avoid surprises and confusion in the future.
There could be add-ons, extras, or hidden costs that the dealer might “miss out” on telling you. Other expenses include taxes, preparation, and delivery fees. Sometimes, there are even dealership costs you won’t know unless you asked.
Think about financing.
Since car dealers often subtly pressure you on giving out more money, know exactly what you’re getting into and stick to your budget. Choose a trusted dealer who will respect your boundaries. At this point, you should already know which car you’ll buy to prevent doubt, which might lead to a more expensive investment that can be a problem in the future.
Whether you’re buying through your auto loan or a personal loan, the better you know during the process, the happier you’re going to be once you’ve purchased the car you need.
Look around and compare prices.
Once you’ve settled or at least narrowed down the choices on which car you’re going to buy, the next step is to look around and utilize the internet to look at prices and discussion groups. This way, you’ll know better about what you’re getting into.
Alternatively, use a helpful tool, website, or software to help you decide. You can filter your search for pricing, make, model, and/or year of the car you want. This way, you’re also saving time from phone calls and emails from various dealers.
And speaking of dealers, you should also visit dealer sites to look for rebate offers.
By using the internet, you altogether avoid the hassle of salespeople on the showroom floor. You could also have a much better final price because of fundamentally different incentives that you can only get in the online car purchase process.
Don’t forget to test-drive.
It’s always best to do a trial run before you complete your decision on the car you want to purchase. While there are many reasons you should test-drive, comfort is the foremost one. Like other material things such as clothes, there are some cars you might not be comfortable with.
Aside from comfort, you still have to look out for idle, view, controls, and handling and brakes. Since cars vary significantly in terms of sensitivity and other features, you want one that aligns with your best preference.
Doing your research when purchasing a car is a given since it’s a massive step forward and a lot of responsibility. It’s never too much to educate yourself in every bit of the process. By strictly following your plan and being ready for surprises and struggles at the same time, you’re good to face any dealer or salesperson that could potentially rip you off.
Meta title: The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Vehicle
meta desc: Be smart and meticulous when buying a car, whether new or used. Use these tips to decide and deal with difficulties along the way.
