Purchasing a car is an exciting endeavor due to the convenience that comes with it. However, it can quickly turn into a nightmare when not done properly. Nothing is more heartbreaking than spending a fortune on a car that simply isn’t worth it.
What every car buyer wants is to find the best possible ride for their money. This brings us to today’s discussion – top tips when buying a car. These insights from industry experts will ensure you find the car of your dreams without breaking the bank.
Start with Defining Your Budget
As a rule of thumb, always determine what you can afford before deciding to purchase anything. Determining your budget needs to be your number one priority whether you are buying your first or tenth car. After all, you shouldn’t sink more money than you can afford into purchasing a car.
Defining your budget will also help ensure you avoid temptations. There will be no need to look at expensive models that are out of your price range. Thus, narrowing down your search for the best car that fits within your budget.
Do Your Research
Doing your research can make all the difference when buying a car. Learning more about the vehicles you want will give you the knowledge you need when you finally walk into a dealership. Therefore, you can always get the best possible price.
Narrow down your vehicle selection to three or four models. Then, read customer reviews and compare these options online. It will also help to ask friends and family with similar vehicles. They will give you firsthand feedback on the advantages and disadvantages of the vehicles.
Consider Pre-Financing Options
Contrary to what most people think, you do not need to finance a car at a dealership. For starters, dealership interest rates are significantly higher than auto loans from banks and credit unions. Most of the time, your bank will provide a better discount because they want to build a stronger relationship with you.
Look online for the best interest rate on car financing you can find. However, ensure all the quotes are in writing. Doing this will ensure you can effectively negotiate interest rates if you decide to finance the purchase with the dealership.
Shop Around
Most people save up to a year to buy their dream car. What this means is that you have enough time to visit multiple dealerships. Unless you want to buy a car today, ensure you take your time and visit as many dealerships as possible.
It will also help to walk out of at least two dealerships when shopping around. Doing this lets you know the best offer available on the market since they tend to offer it to you as you leave. Don’t forget to look at dealerships outside your city as well for even better pieces.
Always Go for Test Drives
Most people go online when looking at different car models to purchase. It is an excellent decision that lets you compare prices and find out what’s out there. However, an internet search will never beat a test drive.
Ensure you always take whichever car you want to purchase out for a spin. Drive on various routes and evaluate how it performs under each condition. Doing this is the best way to know whether you are getting value for your money. Finally, review the interior space of each car to ensure it meets your needs – especially when you have children or pets.
Base Your Purchase on Total Price and Not Monthly Payments
Car dealers are looking to turn a profit for every car purchase. Therefore, they will offer you an attractive low monthly payment to ensure you buy the car. However, it will come with a lengthy auto loan that makes it expensive.
Start with ensuring you know the total purchase price of the car. Some dealerships also include extra costs and fees that you may not be aware of if you only consider the monthly payment. It will also help to negotiate for shorter payment periods at the same price.
Evaluate Insurance Costs
Consider insurance premiums after establishing the price of the car. Most of the time, insurance plays a major factor in the type of car you buy. Therefore, ensure you get an insurance quote when considering buying a car.
For instance, you will need to budget more for insurance premiums when looking to buy a sports car. Equally, your driving record and the model of the car will raise the insurance prices as well. Other insurance companies will also have high premiums on Honda Civics and Camrys because they are prone to theft.
Always Avoid Add-ons
Purchasing a car is something that should never be taken lightly. For starters, most people pay for years before actually owning it. Therefore, it will help to avoid increasing your monthly payments by including several add-ons.
Ask yourself whether you need those expensive heated seats. How about that built-in navigation system that comes at a hefty price? You can always do without these add-ons if you think about it. That expensive extended warranty is never a necessity.
Bonus Tip: Find a Trustworthy Car Wash
Purchasing the best car that suits your needs is only half the battle. You also need to keep your car clean to preserve the exterior finish, improve the resale value, and help with general maintenance. Therefore, ensure you find a trustworthy car wash with years of experience to keep your new car looking its best. Before you make a trade-in, make sure your vehicle is freshly detailed as you may see an increase in trade-in value depending on the shape of the vehicle.
The Bottom Line
The above tips from industry experts will ensure you find the best car that fits within your budget and meets your needs. However, don’t forget to keep your car looking shiny and new. After all, we are living in a world where you will probably need to trade in your vehicle for a newer model after a few years.
At Jazz Car Wash & Detailing, we provide full-service car wash and detailing to keep your car sparkling. Ensure you contact us today to learn more about our services.
