Before heading over to the dealership think about your ideal car. Disciplined buyers may find themselves giving into emotional urges so having game plan pre-dealership helps you weather any weak moments during the shopping and buying process.
Picturing your ideal car, taking the automobile for a thorough test drive and sticking to your budget are necessary steps in finding the right ride for your particular needs.
Decide on Your Ideal Car
You may crave the latest and greatest luxury car or sports car but thinking practically saves you both time and money during your due diligence campaign. Car enthusiasts can find sporty, dependable and affordable new cars by choosing a solid and less pricey brand.
Choosing function over form can save you a fortune but you need to form a picture of your ideal car before visiting the dealership. What do you need in an automobile? If you’ll be commuting to and from work or school think in practical terms. Select a car which handles well in all weather conditions if you may be facing difficult winters. Choose an economical car and stick to your guns even if you or a sales person tries to steer you to a higher end automobile.
Visit the showroom knowing exactly what you want to make your buying job easier.
Take the Car for a Thorough Test Run
Test drive new cars for at least 45 minutes to an hour or longer to get a feel for how the car handles. Take the ride through its paces. This is likely a 5 to 7 year long purchase for you and your family. Don’t hurry through the test run because you need to be convinced that you can drive the car in different environments.
Whether you’ve accelerating onto a busy highway or backing out of a driveway practice as many different scenarios as possible to gain a level of comfort with the car. Think through situations you typically face during your commute. Drive the car in traffic. Feel how the car handles while you make right and left turns.
Practice making K turns and parallel park to see where you can and can’t park this auto. By envisioning and exploring as many scenarios as possible you can become comfortable with the ride or you can cross the car off of your watch list of potential buys.
Get Your Financials in Order
Plan a budget for your new purchase. Factor in a down payment, monthly payments and research warranty information. How much would a typical oil change or other maintenance cost you?
Before you visit the dealership research the value of your ideal new car on the internet. Show up to the negotiating table armed with realistic figures so you know when a sales person is being far or outlandish.
Stick to your budget. Although you may want the latest and greatest sports package for your new car if this add on doesn’t fit into your budget simply cross this extra off of your order. Buy within your means.