8 Important Car Buying Tips You Need To Know
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Unfortunately, it’s hard to get by without a car these days. While some people just enjoy being on the road, most people need cars to get to work and live their lives. That’s why there will be an expected 15.2 million new cars sold in 2022.
Unfortunately, finding the right car is easier said than done. In fact, it can lead to a lot of stress for people because of how big of a financial decision it is.
Here Are Eight Car Buying Tips You Need To Know:
Are you worried that you aren’t going to get the best deal you can and end up with a subpar car? Keep reading to learn eight car buying tips that will make buying a car easier.
1. Determine the Features You Like
Cars have come a long way over the years. Automatic windows used to be a premium feature that you had to pay to get. However, that feature now comes with most standard car models.
That means there are even more features to look forward to with new cars. Here are a few for you to consider:
- Blind spot alarms
- Variable cruise control
- Backup cameras
- Motion sensor locks
- Smart entertainment system
Of course, there are even more features to look for that differ based on the type of car you buy. Look into all the features out there to see which ones you want with your new vehicle.
2. Consider Buying Used
New cars can be extremely expensive, especially if you buy one with all the latest features. You’ll probably get an auto loan to get the money for something new.
However, you can still get all or most of what you want by looking for a used car. Yes, you’ll have some more risk when you buy this way. But at the same time, you can reduce your risk by purchasing from a trusted seller.
Make sure you look through all the used options to see if a used car makes sense for you.
3. Get Pre-Approved for a Loan
Your options for loans don’t only exist at the auto dealer. You can go to any traditional lender to ask for a loan before you decide to make a purchase. In fact, it makes sense to do this before you start talking to dealers.
This is one of the best pieces of advice about purchasing a car because the dealer will try to sell you on a loan from the dealership. In many cases, dealers make most of their money from loan commissions. That means they’ll try to sell you hard when you’re buying your car.
You have negotiating power if you come into the negotiating process with a pre-approval letter. Your dealer may try to match or beat your current loan terms, which means you can end up with a better deal.
4. Don’t Forget Your Trade-In
Many people limit themselves on the cars they buy because of the price. It makes sense, too. Newer cars can cost a lot of money and be out of your budget.
However, many of those same people fail to consider the price of their current vehicles. They don’t include the price they’ll get for a trade-in, and they pay less money for a car as a result.
Make sure you look at the value of your current car and factor it into your cost. Doing this may help you upgrade your choice and get a better car.
5. Check Car Histories
You have more work to do if you buy a used car. People aren’t always aware of the full history of cars. Other people will lie and not talk about issues they know a car has.
That means you must research a car’s history to get all the information. Some services like Carfax let you learn about a car’s history.
You’ll learn about accidents, insurance claims, and most other things you need to know. It may not catch everything, but it can help stop you from making a bad purchase.
6. Look for a Warranty
Not every dealer gives a great warranty for their cars. The longer the warranty they give, the more likely they have to deal with future issues. However, not every dealer engages in that practice.
Compare the warranties offered by the dealers you investigate. Check the common warranty terms in the industry to ensure you’re getting a good deal.
If you want extra coverage, you can look at extended warranties. Read more here to learn more about extended warranties and how much they cost.
7. Don’t Make Quick Choices
It’s easy to get excited about a car and quickly choose to buy it. Even if it’s the perfect car for you, doing this is a mistake.
You need to fully explore your options if you want to make a smart choice. That means seeing all the cars at the dealership and looking at other dealers to see if you can find a better deal.
Try not to allow a salesperson to pressure you into buying a car early, and you’ll make a more informed choice.
8. Take a Test Drive
You can’t truly know if you’ll enjoy a car until you drive it. Sure, you may find something that has every feature you need. But do you enjoy how that car handles on the road?
You risk making a big mistake if you skip the test drive for a car. Make sure you take the cars you consider out for a test drive. Take them into the city streets and interstates to get a feel for how a car operates in different situations.
Don’t Ignore These Car Buying Tips
You’re making a big financial decision when you’re buying a car. The last thing you want to do is avoid car buying advice that will help you make the best decision possible.
Now that you’ve read the car buying tips above, you should be better positioned to make your decision. Follow through and do your research, and you’ll be sure to find the perfect car for your needs.
Did you find this car buying guide helpful? If so, head back to the blog to find more advice that will help with other big decisions.
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