Most of us currently have one or more vehicles in our driveways. We use our cars to drive to and from work, bring our children to school, visit family and friends, and run daily errands. We highly depend on our vehicles and will end up purchasing multiple ones throughout our lifetime.
In fact, there are approximately 253 million cars and trucks on U.S. roads today and the average age of cars is 11.4 years, according to IHS Automotive reports. However, research by R.L. Polk says, the average time drivers keep a new vehicle is around 6 years.
Therefore, many of us end up back at the dealership after about 6 years of owning our current vehicle, to buy a new one. Even though we may go through the process of buying a vehicle several times over many years, it doesn’t always make it easy to do.
No matter how often we visit a dealership, the buying process can still be a little overwhelming, after all, buying a vehicle is the second most expensive purchase we ever make.
There are certain things you can do prior to visiting a dealership that will alleviate your mind from worry and help keep money in your wallet.
Here are 4 Useful Tips When Buying A Car
- Make A Budget - Determine your budget. Most people only calculate the cost of the vehicle, but there are other factors to consider that come along with purchasing a new car, like fuel, maintenance, repairs, and car insurance. Make sure to incorporate these costs, along with your monthly car payment, when creating a budget.
- Research Online - Make sure you do some research online about the vehicle you are interested in prior to going to the dealership. With having access to the World Wide Web, we are now able to learn almost anything about the car we want, such as its features, size, type of car (coupe or sedan), and its affordability. Also, research to see if there are any current deals, incentives, or specials happening at your dealership.
- Narrow Your Choices - There will be a great selection of vehicles to choose from when on the lot, but it is best to narrow your choices to only a few. This can be easily done by looking at the dealership’s website to see which vehicles best fit your budget and lifestyle. It is also a good idea to try and find cars that are a little less than what you have budgeted to give yourself some wiggle room.
- Take Your Time - Take time to prepare for the purchase and don’t rush the process. Make sure you allow enough time on the day you decide to buy, in order to feel completely comfortable with the vehicle and the purchase of it. Explore your options and do not settle on a vehicle that doesn’t fit your way of living. Enjoy the test drive(s) and ask as many questions as possible about the vehicle(s) you are testing.
As you head into the journey of buying a new vehicle, be armed with knowledge, enough time, and a good plan. Feel in control of your buying decisions and watch the fear of the process disappear.
