6 Steps to Successfully Purchasing a New Car!

There is no question that buying a car can be overwhelming. Commercials alone make the process seem a lot harder than it has to be. If you’re in the market for a new car, follow these 7 simple steps.

1. Read reviews.

‘Kelley Blue Book’, ‘Edmunds’, and ‘Car and Driver’ are the go-to sites to visit when you begin your car shopping journey. They have reviewed and road tested just about every vehicle imaginable. Also, these websites show the average price point for the vehicles they review. So look at what others are paying so you don’t get ripped off! That being said, reviews are subjective and based off of personal preference. Use reviews as a guide, but don’t let them make the decision for you.

2. Figure out features.

Write down a list of features you want in your new car. This will help you easily compare vehicles.

3. Shop for auto insurance.

Insurance is an important part of the shopping process. It can give you a sense of your anticipated monthly premium based on the car you select. Check with your current insurance company to see how much it will cost to insure different vehicles because there can be a big difference. This will give you a good idea of what different makes and models will cost to insure. When you’ve made your decision, shop different insurance companies to make sure you’re going to get the best possible rate. You can click here to get a free quote from us!

4. Set your budget.

First, consider your down payment, monthly income and expenses to determine the payments you’d be able to make. Then think about the total cost of car ownership, which includes gas, financing, maintenance, repair costs, insurance and depreciation. Like I said earlier, buying a car is a daunting task. If you do the work now, it will pay off in the future.

5. Get your financing in order.

Are you paying in full? Great! If not, dealerships usually work with preferred lenders to help buyers finance their vehicles. Credit unions are also a good option and should be investigated before you start negotiating with the dealer.

7. Look for deals and incentives.

Auto manufacturers will often list their current sales, deals and incentives on their websites. In addition, U.S. News & World Report lists the best car deals. Typically dealers need to hit a sales goal. Chances are you will get a better deal shopping later in the day, holidays or at the end of a sales period. For example, August is a great time to buy a new vehicle because dealerships start making room for the following model year’s cars and trucks.

Buying a new vehicle can be a bit overwhelming for many people, but with a little preparation it can be a fun and rewarding experience. And at the end of it all, you’ll get to enjoy your new car and that new car smell!