Is there a new car in your future? Buying a new car usually represents one of the biggest investments a family or individual can make in their lifetime. By keeping the following guidelines in mind, you can make the new car buying experience not only seem like a fun adventure, you will enjoy a higher likelihood of making a smart purchase of the right car for both your budget as well as your needs.
One of the most important tips to follow when buying a new car is to do your homework even before you head out to the new car dealer lot. There are many online resources that feature the opinion of automobile experts in reviewing new car releases and evaluating them in terms of craftsmanship, safety, comfort, reliability and value. Read online reviews from customers who have already purchased the model and style of cars you are most attracted to in order to gage their level of satisfaction.
Determine a realistic budget for your new car purchase. Will you be trading in your current automobile for a new vehicle? This can help defray your monthly payments on a new car. If you are buying a new car outright with no trade-in, calculate how much you can comfortably offer as a down payment and how much of your weekly paycheck you can devote to the new car payment without feeling broke. Don’t forget to check with your insurance agent to get an estimate on what it will cost to insure your new purchase to fully comply with state laws regarding liability coverage. It pays to comparison shop insurance rates when buying a new car, since your rate is very likely to be different than the premiums you are paying on a current car which is already several years old.
Ask yourself what features are most important in a new car. If this will be your primary vehicle, how many seats and doors are essential? Childless couples and carefree singles may be more drawn to sporty automobiles and convertibles, and families with children may find that larger and roomier sports utility vehicles with plenty of passenger and storage space for transporting kids and equipment to and from school activities is essential. Will the new car be used for both business and pleasure trips? How important is gas mileage and such environmentally friendly features as hybrid operation which relies on traditional fossil fuels along with electricity? What safety features do you expect to have in your new vehicle that your current automobile is lacking?
By planning ahead and doing your research, comparison shopping, establishing a budget and being a savvy negotiator, you can buy the car of your dreams at the right price that will give you thousands of hours of driving pleasure in the years ahead.
When buying a new car, take the time to comparison shop. The last thing you want to do is make an impulse decision on such an important purchase, only to find an even better deal and more dreamy automobile available a few weeks after you’ve already committed yourself to another purchase. Wander around the car lots of automobile brands you are most interested in, then ask a lot of questions. Take advantage of your ability to test drive any vehicle you are interested in to get a real sense of what it feels like to be behind the wheel rather than simply taking a virtual tour of the vehicle and its capabilities via your computer screen. Many new car buyers have been surprised that vehicles that looked great in photographs didn’t measure up when a real life driving test was applied.
Once you have narrowed down your top three new car choices and have a realistic budget established firmly in mind, you are ready to start negotiating with the dealer. It’s a smart idea to already come to the dealership with pre-approved car loan financing from your personal bank or other financial institution, because this gives you better bargaining power. Check your credit rating ahead of time to correct any mistakes or inaccuracies, because your credit rating influences the amount of interest you will pay on any new car loan offered by the dealership. Before you sign on the dotted line and commit to a new car purchase, read the fine print regarding any extended warranties or service contracts that may make the car’s initial purchase price higher but may save you unanticipated expense down the road.