Who doesn’t love a new car? There’s something special about driving away for the first time in your new car, whether it’s just new for you or brand spanking new, it’s exciting. It can also be overwhelming because there are so many factors to take into consideration when buying a new car, that it can take weeks or months to find a gem for you. I decided to make this blog post as guide for when you are buying a new car, to help you stay focused and get a car that perfectly suits your needs.
Set a Budget Before You View a Car
It’s important to set a maximum budget before you even start looking at cars, because it’s so easy to increase the budget by a few thousand dollars here and there, and before you know it you are spending $10,000 more than you planned. Be smart and firm from the beginning, write down your absolute top number and do not go above it. If you find that your budget was unrealistic for what you are looking for, you’re going to have to either wait a few more months until you can save more money, or lower your expectations. Do not blindly go over budget without concern for your finances!
Take the Car to a Mechanic
It’s important to get a second or third opinion before you spend a lot of money on purchasing a new car. It may be a little frustrating paying for a mechanical assessment of a car you may not end up purchasing, but it’s a lot cheaper than buying a dud car and being financially tied to it. Skimping money on this step can end up costing you a lot more in the long run.
Be Flexible With Models and Brands
Originally when I was shopping for my new car, I wanted a Kia Sportage as I wanted a smaller style SUV car. I actually was convinced in part due to higher safety ratings to get a Mazda Cx-5 and I’m so glad because I absolutely love the car. Had I been more rigid with my preference for a Kia Sportage, I could have missed out on a really great and really safe car. Look at different brands and pay attention to how expensive parts are to source in your area. You may find it smarter to buy a certain car because the price of repairs will be much lower, should you need them.
Don’t Rush
There’s nothing worse than rushing your way into a bad decision and with a car being such an expensive purchase, it’s more important than ever to take your time and ensure you are making a good financial decision. Start hunting months before you need your new car, so you have ample time to check out the variety of new cars available before you buy.
