Buying a new car should be fun and exciting. But making such a substantial purchase can sometimes make things feel quite stressful. Here are five tips for helping you make the best decision possible when buying your first car – without the stress!
1. Do Your Research
Before you grab the keys to your new car and drive off with the wind in your hair, take a step back. Are they asking a fair price for this vehicle? How does the price compare to others in the market of the same make and similar condition? If you don’t know the answer to either of these questions, then one thing’s for sure: you haven’t done your research. Before buying any new car, make sure you’ve done your research online and consulted car value resources such as the Blue Book. These days, with so many resources at your disposal, there really is no excuse for paying more than you should.
2. Be Clear on Your Goals
Are you buying a new car simply for getting around town? Or are you looking to drive a dreamy sports car that draws longing looks from pedestrians as you pass by? If the former is you, then your main priority should be to find a car that’s economical, reliable and comfortable. If you’re the latter though, the design, speed and power capabilities of a new car should remain at the forefront of your mind. Just be mindful that life has a way of changing instantly, and the car you thought you’d like may end up being a burden further on down the line. Try and think long and hard about what your life may be like in two or even five years, and factor this into your decision.
3. Take the Car for a Spin
The aesthetics of a new car are all well and good, but how does it drive? Make sure you take your potential new car for a spin before handing over your hard-earned money and see if it drives as well as it looks. Remember: the main function of a car is to take you around. If it doesn’t do a good job at that, then do you really want to commit to buying it?
4. Secure Your Financing
If you don’t already have the cold hard cash to pay in full for your new car, then make sure you have your financing sorted. Ask friends and family for their suggestions on who to use or do some research online. It’s also a great idea to give a potential financer a call to see what they’re all about. Respectable car loan and financing companies, such as Dreamloans, should be comfortable with answering any questions you may have.
5. Negotiate
There’s always a certain amount of wiggle room when buying a new car. Your job as a consumer is to find out just how big of a gap exists between what the car salesman is asking and how much lower he can go while still making a decent commission. You’ll need to be ruthless here. Be prepared to walk away if the salesman doesn’t budge, but try and make things a win-win situation. At the end of the day, buying a car is meant to be a fun and exciting experience – not one that gives you a headache!
Do you have any other tips for buying your first car? Share them in the comments below.
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