Buying a car can be a daunting experience to you especially if you are a first-time buyer. It does not matter if you are buying a new or used vehicle, purchasing a car may be a bit challenging. The process of owning a car does not need to be rushed as there are important factors to consider.
You might be left wondering if the car you intend to buy is what you really need. Or what mechanical problems may come up with the particular make and model in future. If ?your car? gets taken, there are plenty that serve the same purpose. However, by taking precautionary steps, your concerns of purchasing a car can turn in to consumer confidence.
If you want to go through the process of buying your dream car without much stress, you need to consider the following:
- What Are Your Needs? (How Do You Plan To Use the Vehicle)
- Research Your Dream Vehicle
- Visit Dealers And Give Your Car a Test Drive
- Get Auto Insurance Quotes
What Are Your Needs? (How Do You Plan To Use the Vehicle)
How you plan to use your car is important in deciding the type of vehicle you need. If you live in the city center and you need a car to commute to work, you might consider a relatively small parking space. Alternatively, if you come from the countryside, you need a vehicle for all weather conditions. In this case, a 4 x 4 is better than a two-wheel drive. If you need a vehicle for commercial purposes, you will need to purchase a commercial auto insurance coverage.
Research Your Dream Vehicle
Search online for car reviews from experts and owners. Experts will give you a car?s features and its professional outlook. However, an owner review will provide more realistic details about a particular vehicle and how it runs from day to day. You will get a list of several car models and makes with their prices from websites such as Kelley Blue Book. You need to make a list of features that matter to you. Determine those features that are non-negotiable (safety) and what is less important (swivel seats, moonroof, sunroof).
Look around for a vehicle which will fit your needs and finances. Remember to look for models planned for sale in the coming year. It may be worth waiting if it fits your needs. You may research on used cars as many previously owned vehicles in the market are in great condition. A used car may save you a decent amount of money, so consider dealership offers and private sellers too.
Visit Dealers And Give Your Car a Test Drive
Avoid buying from the first dealership you walk in. Visit at least three dealers and compare their offers. Inquire about car features and ask questions you might be concerned with regarding the vehicle you are interested in. Ask about dealer-installed add-ons such as theft protection packages, all-weather floor mats, and nitrogen in tires. If you do not get answers or the salesperson avoids addressing a particular issue, move on to the next dealership. Do not just show up at a dealership for the test drive.
You may have to wait for long and the salesperson may be too tired to give you attention. Make an appointment and test drive the car to see how it handles different terrain. See how your family will fit inside and check out the cargo space. If you still like it, don?t feel obligated to buy the vehicle on the same day.
Get Auto Insurance Quotes
For you to get a good deal on car insurance, you need to shop around for quotes before you test drive the car. Auto insurance rates are determined by various factors such as:
- Your driving history
- Credit score
- Age
- Claims record
- Type of vehicle
- Coverage and deductibles
- Miles driven yearly
Visit your insurer annually to check for better deals and see if you still need your policy. You should also inquire about bundled insurance policies to get discounted rates.
Provide Relevant Information to Involved Parties
While discussing about your auto insurance needs with an insurer, you need to provide the following information:
About the Car
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Make, model, and year of manufacture
- Safety features such as automatic seatbelts
- Security devices such as GPS trackers
- Miles the vehicle will be driven annually
About Your Household
- Your residence
- Where you will be parking your car
- The amount of deductible you want
- The number of drivers in your household
- You should let your insure know if you have another policy with them.
About the Drivers
Age
Driving history
Safe driving courses successfully completed if any
Student drivers if any. They may qualify for the good grades discount
Anyone who will be driving the car you are insuring impacts the insurance rates.
Negotiate With the Dealership
Avoid being drawn into a discussion on the terms of the salesperson. Try not to become emotional. Kindly set the ground rules and let him/her know:
- You have researched the car and have taken a test drive.
- You know what features you want and have researched the price for them
- You know how much the dealer paid for the vehicle
- Reassure the salesperson that your offer includes a fair profit
- Let them know you have made calculations of what you are prepared to pay
- If the sales representative meets your target price, you will be ready to buy.
Knowledge is your friend but confusion is not. You can always walk to the next dealership if they do not meet your price.
Enjoy Your New Purchase
You are now the owner of a new ride. Feel free to drive around town in your beautiful convertible, music blasting and windows down.
We would love to handle your car insurance needs. Visit our offices or contact our agents in Scottsdale AZ or Norman OK.