Your car just broke down for the third time this month. You’re nearing the end of your second hour in the waiting room of the auto repair shop when a mechanic finally heads towards you with a clipboard in his hand.
Great. You have a blown head gasket, hydrolocked engine and a worn out clutch. And what’s worse is that the cost of total repairs won’t even be covered by your car insurance.
Yep, it’s time for a new car. If you’re having a hard time getting through the necessary steps, ENTITY is here to help. Here’s what you can do to make the process of buying a new car a little less stressful.
First question: Do you want a new or used car? Driving around a brand new Lamborghini or Ferrari would be nice, but is that what you really need? What features are important to you? Will you be taking a lot of long trips or are you a homebody? Do you have a large family or plan on having one anytime soon? Questions like these are important to ask yourself before heading into the research and selection processes.
Figure out the maximum amount you are willing to spend and stick with it. Searching for the right car will be much easier when you know your limits.
Before stepping foot into a car dealership, do a quick search online. Websites such as Autotrader and Edmunds are great tools to get information and make comparisons. Figure out which cars are within your budget and are available in your area. This will save you time and will help you answer any future questions a car dealer might ask.
This process allows you to take note of your different options and get several offers. Dealership A might have the maroon Honda Accord you always wanted, but dealership B might give you a lower quote for a similar vehicle that has only two doors but still fits your needs.
Have you ever been asked to drive a friend’s car to realize that things just didn’t feel right? Say you have your heart set on a Toyota Tacoma, but once you get behind the wheel you realize that you’re just not comfortable driving such a large vehicle. You’ll be driving this car for years to come so it’s important that you enjoy the experience each time you get behind the wheel.
Negotiating can be intimidating, especially for those with little to no experience with cars. But even if you don’t know the difference between an alternator and a carburetor, don’t let a car dealer talk you into a deal that leaves you unsatisfied. If you received an estimate from Dealership A and a better one from Dealership B, go back to the first one and ask if they’d lower the initial quote. You may save yourself some money.
Okay, you’re down to two cars. Which one will it be? Jump back to step one and reevaluate your wants and needs. You should be confident in the car you choose. If you’re still feeling a little unsure, you may need more time to think or do extra research. It’s important to be 100 percent certain of your decision, because you will be driving your purchase for years, or maybe even the rest of your life!
