Buying a car is a big deal. For many people, a car is the most expensive thing they will buy. Use the following information to choose the right car for your needs.
Decide what kind of car you want
Determine whether you prefer the new or the old. Your first decision is to buy a new car or a used one. You'll find the pros and cons of each option.
Decide what kind of car you want. You have to decide what type of car you want, and there are many options. Vehicles can be divided into different classes.
There are more subcategories within each category. Depending on your needs, you must decide which type appeals to you.
Also, consider which features are most important. While you may not get everything you want, you can narrow down your options based on the two or three features that are most important to you.
Look at models
Once you know what you want, start searching for models in this group.
Check the manufacturer's website. You can visit the websites of different automakers, like Toyota or Chevrolet, to see what they have.
Read car reviews. You can find reviews for specific brands and models on sites like Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book.
Check the safety rating. You can get safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Determine your budget
Plan how much money you can spend each month. If you're financing, figure out how much of your monthly budget you can use to buy a car.
Estimate how much you'll have to pay each month. Use an online calculator to estimate how much you will pay each month, based on the price of your chosen model. If it's a new car, don't forget to add extra costs, such as custom features and insurance.
Apply for a loan. If you're going to finance a car, in order to figure out what kind of financing you qualify for, you'll need to apply for a car loan.
Plan how much you can pay. Determine how much cash you have for a down payment or a total payment if you choose not to finance.
Research dealers and test drive models
Look at the various dealers in your area. After all the information has been collected, the dealer must be found.
Look at online recommendations or reviews and see what ratings they get from the Better Business Bureau.
Other factors that should be considered in your decision include internal financing options, the availability of your preferred model, and warranty options for used cars.
Visit a few dealerships in person. Visit one or two dealers that seem to fit your needs and see what models are available. Ask about any rewards or special deals.
Test drive a few cars. Choose two or three different models and give them a test drive.
Determine the value of the vehicle
Once you have two or three models in mind that you are interested in, you should find out what they are worth. You want to know if you're paying the value of the car or less, not more.
Look online for the value of each model. Visit the Kelley Blue Book website to find the market value of the model you're considering.
Compare prices with dealer prices. Compare the dealer's prices to those offered by other dealers and the sticker price in the Kelley Blue Book.
Negotiate the price
Once you choose a dealer and find the car you want, you're ready to negotiate the price.
Ask about bargains. If you're willing to trade in your old car for a new model, ask how much you'd get for the trade-in.
Ask about additional charges. Find out what extras are included in the price. Some of these are negotiable, while others are required by regulations.
Provide a price based on your research. Make sure you have the data to back up your offer.
Tip: Know the final price you're willing to pay, even if it wasn't your original offer.
Negotiate other aspects of the sale. Willing to negotiate other aspects of the vehicle if the price is stable. You can request other options or accessories to be included free of charge.
Buying a car, whether new or used, is a great effort. But following the steps outlined above and thoroughly researching all aspects of the process, all these efforts will ensure success in finding and buying the right car for you.
