Purchasing a car is not a one day endeavor. There are many decisions to consider and factors to balance before you drive off the lot. Take a look below at our guide to purchasing a new car:
What can you afford?
Following a home, a vehicle is typically the next biggest expense. To determine how much you can comfortably afford to spend on a monthly car payment, subtract all of your living expenses such as home, groceries, clothing, utilities, insurance, and bill payments. Be sure to take account of regular car expenses including licensing, registration, insurance, and gas.
What function will the car serve?
Before you purchase a car, think about how you will use it. What do you need your car for? Will it be to get you from point A to point B? Will it be for your family of five to use for everything from school drop-offs, soccer carpools, and road trips? Will you use it for long commutes or short bursts of travel? These factors will determine what kind of vehicle suits you best.
Does it have good mileage?
Whether or not your car has good gas mileage can determine how much it will cost you in gas money a year. Older cars and large trucks and SUVs will have poorer gas mileage than a smaller vehicle, though can suit larger families better than smaller options.
New or used?
Is buying a brand new car a priority to you? The moment a new car leaves a lot, it begins to lose value. If you are on a budget, the best option is to buy a quality car that is two to three years old. You will benefit from an excellent quality car at a much better price.
Buy or lease?
With leasing, you are looking at lower monthly car payments and can usually get a newer car for a lower price. Repair costs are also lower since you are under the vehicle’s factory warranty. If you so choose, you can easily upgrade your vehicle every few years without having to hassle with trade-in or selling situations. When buying a car, however, you gain better value for your buck. Purchasing a car is an investment toward your future. With consistent upkeep, you can expect to use your car well after you are finished with payments. It all depends on your lifestyle.
What specials features do you prioritize?
Once you figure out the function you want your vehicle to serve, what are the secondary functions you want to consider? Are you or a member of your family a part of a sports team? Do you enjoy taking your family on camping trips or road trips? Then you might need plenty of extra storage options. If you are craving the best road safety features, look for a car that has anti-locking brakes, an electronic stability system, roadside assistance, side airbags, blind-spot monitoring, and a backup camera for safety.
How much will it cost to insure your new car?
Different makes and models offer different insurance rates. Better safety features mean lower rates. Sports cars, on the other hand, are a little more pricey to insure. Before you sign the check, ask your insurance carrier for a quote on a new car.
Do your research.
If you invest even a small amount of your time into research, your hard work will result in finding the perfect car suited to your needs. Consumerreports.org is an excellent resource that offers a bounty of information on every available car on the market. Use it to compare safety features, costs, and more.
There are many factors to balance before it comes to purchasing a new car. For more resources and excellent customer service and support, visit the professionals at Tenvoorde Ford today.
