Buying a car is always an exhilarating process. But with any type of big purchase, it is absolutely vital that you do your homework before making any type of commitment. For much of the general public, they tend to spend only a few days before making the decision to buy. As eager as you may be, do not make this mistake. A mistake like that can leave you with a car that you ultimately may not have wanted.
Now, as a buyer, the first thing you need to comprehend is that you are the one in control of the entire process. While you may have a sales person pressuring you to buy now, do not let them bully you. In fact, before you even step foot into a dealership, make sure you do your research. With so much reliable information available online, it is absolutely important that you understand both your financial status and your wants-and-needs before you go to the dealership.
To begin the process, start by evaluating your finances holistically. For many buyers, they tend to overlook this step because of the lust and lure of getting a new car. Do not make that mistake. Instead, evaluate your monthly revenue and expenses and compare the two figures against each other. This number will give you a general idea of the minimum and maximum figures of what you can realistically spend each and every month for car payments. Having those figures noted is not just beneficial when looking for a car, but tangible. The one situation you do not want to find yourself in is you struggling to pay the car payments and risking your overall financial health.
Once you have ironed out all of the financial logistics, now you can begin figuring out what type of car you would like to buy. For this to run smoothly and efficiently, make sure you are realistic and honest about your driving situation. If you tend to have longer drives within the week, you may want to consider a car with great gas mileage. If you are looking for something to run errands and pick the kids up, you may want to consider a safer and more efficient model that meet the needs of your family. Whatever is the case, make sure you are realistic about your situation. Now, this of course should not stop you from honing in on the overall aesthetics of the car. At the end of the day, you are investing a large amount of money and you want to make sure your new car can hit all of your needs. As you are doing your research, be sure to look at different models, both inside and out, and note what features you would like to have for your future car. Be specific. The more detailed information you have, the better. This will help you rule out any unwanted cars that you may see when you are at the dealership. One piece of advice, make sure many of these aesthetics are not deal breakers for your purchase. Remember, we are limited to the amount that is allotted to us. Unless you are willing to pay more, you may have to compromise some of these needs for the overarching goal.
Once you have settled on what model and what car is right for you, make sure you look up the invoice price for that car. The invoice price is what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car. Knowing the invoice price of your car will help you with the negotiating process so that you can get your dream car at the best price possible. To of course help with the process, make sure you are aware of any rebates the dealership or manufacture is marketing to the general public. In the world of consumer marketing, vehicle rebates are a little slide of heaven. Think of these as coupons where a fixed amount of money is returned to a buyer for a purchase of a particular vehicle. Be aware of all rebates for which you qualify for and make sure you receive them.
Now, to help finalize you homework, make sure you research the dealers. Yes, this can be a somewhat mundane process, but having a stronger idea of the people and support you will be working with can help you decide which dealers are right for you. The best place to do this is by checking their online reviews. If you cannot find any online reviews, try asking your friends or neighbors for some advice. They can potentially lead you to the right place where you can happily purchase your new car.
After everything is researched and looked at, you are officially ready to find that car. Once have narrowed down your search from a handful of vehicles to one or two options, make sure you complete the experience with a test drive. The best way to assure yourself that you made the right decision is by testing the car out yourself. Be sure to note if the engine runs smoothly or not. In addition, be observant of any noises and electronics and make sure they are working properly.
If you are completely satisfied with both the price and test drive, the only thing left for you to do is to sign your name and take your new car home.
Spencer Dulal-Whiteway 