Now that the new year has almost arrived, you have decided it will be a great time to buy a new car. But as you know, this now means you’ve got to make a decision concerning the make and model of the car you will ultimately purchase. Rather than make mistakes that may cost you thousands of dollars and leave you with lots of regrets when behind the wheel, here are some important tips you should keep in mind as you make your decision.
Know What You Need
First, always be honest with yourself and decide exactly what type of car you need. For example, do you need one that has room for you and several other family members, or can you do fine if you purchase a smaller car that is very sporty and has room for perhaps only you and one passenger? By knowing what you want, you can narrow down your choices much faster.
Safety Features
The first factor to consider when purchasing a vehicle is safety. Things like air bags, good brakes, backup cameras, and blind spot monitoring should be standard on any new or used car you buy. Also, look at crash test ratings from organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) before making your decision. If a car has poor crash test ratings, then it may not be worth investing in at all.
Fuel Economy Ratings
Another factor to keep in mind is fuel economy ratings. Cars with higher fuel economy ratings will save you money in the long run as they will require fewer fill-ups at the pump. Additionally, cars with higher fuel economy ratings are usually more environmentally friendly because they produce fewer emissions than their less efficient counterparts.
Reliability Ratings
Finally, it’s important to look at reliability ratings when deciding which car to buy. A reliable vehicle will last longer and require fewer repairs over its lifetime than one with lower reliability ratings. To find out how reliable a particular model of car is, check out reviews from auto magazines or websites such as Consumer Reports or Edmunds.com. These sources can provide detailed information about how often certain cars need repair and what kind of maintenance costs should be expected over time.
Decide on Your Budget
Next, you should take a close look at your budget to determine how much money you can afford to spend on your new car. If you are a smart car buyer, you will try to purchase your car during a time when dealers are offering numerous incentives on many makes and models. By doing so, you should be able to find a Ford dealer, for example, that will have exactly what you want in your next new car.
Test Drive Several Vehicles
Once you narrow down your new car search to a handful of vehicles, visit multiple dealerships and test drive each vehicle you are considering buying. As you do, you can compare the pros and cons of each, learn more about them from salespeople, and start laying the groundwork to get the best deal possible.
Don’t Make a Quick Decision
After you test drive multiple vehicles you have under consideration, don’t make a quick decision there on the spot. Instead, go home and think about things for at least 24 hours. By doing this, you can make sure you don’t let your emotions control your thinking as to which car to buy. If you let a salesperson know you have great interest in a certain car, they will be more than happy to make sure it’s still waiting for you 24 hours later.
Buying New or Used
Buying a car is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make, and it can be difficult to decide whether to go with a new or used car. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option before making any final decisions. Here are some things to consider when deciding whether to buy a new or used car.
Pros of Buying New Cars
The most obvious benefit of buying a new car is having the latest tech, safety features, and styling options available. A brand-new car also comes with warranty coverage, so you don’t have to worry about costly repairs for at least three years. Additionally, new cars usually come with lower interest rates on financing packages, making them more affordable in the long run.
Pros of Buying Used Cars
Used cars are typically much cheaper than their newer counterparts, which makes them an attractive option for those who want to save money. And while they may not have all the bells and whistles that come with newer models, they can still be reliable vehicles that get you from Point A to Point B safely and efficiently. In addition, due to the fact that most used cars are sold “as is” with no warranty coverage, many dealerships offer extended warranties on used cars—which gives you peace of mind should something go wrong down the road.
If you keep these tips in mind as you search for your next new car, you’ll drive off the dealer’s lot in a car you love and with a financing deal that won’t bust your budget.
