How to Find the Right Car for You

4 years ago | Posted in: Business | 335 Views

Buying a car is an inspiring experience and a great achievement. However, based on the fact that there numerous vehicles in the market, plentiful car dealers, and motor vehicle showrooms, it can be quite overwhelming to choose the right car for you. The worst mistake you can do as a car buyer is going to a dealer having little to no idea of the kind of car that you want to buy.

 

Information is power, and with this power, you will be sure to buy a car that suits you and your pocket. The question is, what do you need to know or do to ensure you buy the right car for you? The answer is on the following tips we have prepared for you.

5 Tips for Buying a New Car


 

  1. Know Your Needs

 

Ask yourself, ‘why do I need this car, or what purpose do I want it to play in my life?’ The right car is the one that meets these needs. Do not go for an SUV or convertible, simply because your friend or sibling bought the same or they have told you that it is a nice car. It could be nice, but get to know if it will meet your expectations. Some of the useful considerations you should make include:

  • How many people do you expect to carry?
  • What are the features you value most in a car? Including safety aspects.
  • Which type of road do you expect to drive on?
  • Does it need to be an all-wheel-drive?
  • Do you need a baby car seat? If so, how many?
  • What cargo capacity is enough for you?
  • Can your garage parking accommodate the new car?

 

  1. Work on Your Budget

 

Once you narrow down your needs, start working on your budget. If you want to buy your car on a cash basis, decide on how much you can afford and ensure you have that money standby. Remember, there are different costs of buying a vehicle, including:

  • Buying price
  • Stamp duty
  • Insurance and this includes Compulsory third-party and regular auto insurance
  • Added extras such as registration, number plates, dealership, and title fees
  • Running costs such as fuel
  • Vehicle inspection fee if you are buying a second-hand car

 

If you cannot afford to pay cash for the vehicle, you will need financing. Get to know how much you can afford as a monthly car payment. Also, make sure that you have good credit scores to get an auto loan approval. Do not go shopping for a car until you get an auto loan pre-approval. Calculate the total cost of acquiring the vehicle, including the monthly cost of fuel and insurance. It will be easy to negotiate for the right car when you have a budget at hand.

 

  1. Decide Whether to Buy the Car or to Lease It

 

Whether you decide to buy or lease a car, get to understand the benefits and downside of each decision.

Pros and Cons of Buying Car

Pros of buying a car

  • You own the car after full loan repayment
  • You can sell the car anytime you want
  • You are free to modify the car
  • No penalties for driving the car too much

 

Cons of buying a car

  • The initial cost is quite high and so is monthly instalments

 

Pros and cons fo Leasing a Car

Pros of leasing a car
  • You have access to cars that you cannot afford to buy
  • You can drive cars with the latest technology
  • The warranty covers the highest percentage of maintenance cost
  • No need for down payments
  • No need for trade-in when the lease is over

 

Cons of leasing a Car
  • Once the lease is over, the car is taken from you

 

Weigh these options and decide on the choice that favors you the most

 

  1. Start Shopping for Your Car

 

Unlike a few decades ago, when you had to visit a dealership physically to access car inventories, today, you have the option of doing that on the internet. Since you have decided on the type of car that you need, check for its availability online.

 

You can use websites such as edmuds.com, autotrader.com, autolist.com, or autotempest.com, among many others. Most of these will provide you with an option to filter your preferences to ensure you get the right car for you. Once you are sure the vehicle you love is available, schedule a visit and a test drive.

 

  1. Go for a Test Drive

 

Now that you have chosen the car you want and the dealership you selected has contacted you for a test drive, you are almost there. Some of the aspects you should be looking for during the test drive include:

  • Your comfort at the driver’s seat while on the move
  • Availability of safety features and in good condition, including seat belts, airbags, stability controls, lights, mirrors, four-wheel steering, Security Key Fob, bumpers, and anti-lock braking systems
  • Stability of the car on different terrains including hills, over the bumps, and sharp corners
  • Check the cargo space, baby car seat, and back seats as well
  • Check the sound system
  • Finally, ensure that you take your time when doing the test drive

 

After you finish the test, you will make an informed decision, whether that is the right car for you or not. If you are satisfied, pay for your vehicle and complete the registration process. However, if the choice is not clear yet, try other cars or other dealers until you get satisfied.

 

by: Ashley Hicks 

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