There’s a certain excitement about buying a new car and getting ready to take a closer look at what the market has to offer right now, but before you roll up to the dealership, stop. If you don’t have a clear idea of what you want and, more importantly, what you need, it’s very easy to get roped into buying a car that doesn’t really suit your needs. As such, we’re going to look at some decisions you should make before you set one foot onto the lot.
Determine Your Budget Before You Shop
You should have a good idea of how much you can afford to spend before looking at any cars. This includes not just the sticker price, but the total cost of ownership. Put together an estimated budget for how much you’re willing to pay in insurance, taxes, fuel, maintenance, and loan interest, and make sure that any car you look at fits within that budget. Getting pre-approved for a loan can also give you a much clearer idea of how much car you can afford.
Decide Whether You’re Going New Or Used
Aside from impacting your budget, deciding whether to go new or used will narrow your options. New cars come with full warranties, the latest technology, and are straight out of the factory with no wear and tear, but they are going to lose value quickly due to depreciation. Used cars require a little more inspection to ensure they meet your standards, but the cost savings at a used auto dealer offer exceptional value. There are also certified pre-owned vehicles, which tend to strike a balance between the two as they typically require maintenance to meet manufacturer specifications.
Research Models Ahead of Time
One of the biggest mistakes that people make when buying cars is deciding to buy a car there and then, on the spot, before they even learn anything about it. Don’t let dealers push you into decisions you haven’t fully thought through. Make note of the model you’re interested in, then get back home and do your research, not only to find where it might be a little more cost-effective to buy it, but also how owners tend to feel about it in the long run.
Know Your Priorities
If you go into a car dealership without any real concrete idea of what your priorities are, you can end up driving away with something that doesn’t fit your lifestyle at all. Make a list of the role that your car plays and the must-have features to accommodate it. For instance, if you need a family car to transport the kids, space for seating and luggage is essential. If you do a lot of driving in the city, then you should look for cars with good city mileage. From safety systems to infotainment technology, get a good idea of what you really need and want before you start shopping to make sure you don’t miss anything.
There’s nothing wrong with stepping into a dealership and falling in love with a car. However, you need to know what your priorities are beforehand, so you know whether or not it’s a good purchase.