Like any other thing you opt for, purchasing a car involves many intricacies and document procedures. This might be difficult for the newbies who have no clue about the process included in buying the car. However, once you are well-versed with all the essentials, it becomes a cakewalk.
Here are five steps you can follow before making your first car purchase.
1. Research vehicle and features
Once you are done with the brainstorming part and have a clear idea of what car you will be opting for. This is the step after you have got a clear picture in your head. Once you’re done with the selection, research about the vehicle. There are several platforms for that purpose, specially curated as per your needs.
For instance, you can visit www.insurance.us or use apps like the Edmunds app, which enables you to find all the relevant information, including expert and customer reviews, ratings, etc. Apart from this, various other websites will allow you to look for the car’s features and options available on the vehicles. Once you’re done with this, you can move on to the next step: the price or the payment to be made.
2. Payment
This is your next step post the selection of the car after intense research. If you can afford the car, then it’s well and good, but if you cannot, then worry not. There are various loan schemes available in the market. A pre-approved auto loan starts you out on the right tool. For this, you have to get an idea of how much you can afford to spend from your pocket and then look for the interest rates and compare it with the dealership financing.
It might also offer the lowest annual rate. For a loan application, you can browse on your mobile or via any other device and choose the one that works best for you. For instance, Edmunds recommends a loan term no longer than 60 months as you plan your financing. At the same time, a 20 percent down payment is considered to be ideal. But since it’s difficult for most people to handle, you can go for a 10 percent down payment as well.
To start with your loan procedure, you need to have all the required documents, such as your employer and salary information, previous debts, etc.
3. Locate and test drive the car
Once you’re settled with the loan procedure, look out for the car dealerships in your area. Do a little research if possible. There are so many car dealers, and to filter the trusted dealer is a bit of a job. You can easily browse the showrooms on the internet, ask them, or request them for the information if you want any. You can contact them and schedule your test drive.
However, there are certain dos and don’ts that you need to follow before proceeding with this step.
- Please ensure that the car is still in stock, and in case it’s not, then request to inform you when the vehicle is in stock.
- Ask the dealer if there are any dealer-installed options available. Many vehicles are sold with add-ons like the nitrogen in the tires, weather floor mats, etc.
- Don’t just show up on weekends or other occasions, which counts as a holiday. You must show up at the appropriate time and day to get the full attention of the dealer.
- Do schedule the test drive before your meet. Early mornings are the best timing since there is less crowd on the road, and you can quickly learn the intricacies of driving. You need to familiarize yourself with the road.
- Do not just drive around on the road. Do ensure that your family fits in the car and how your vehicle handles various roads.
- Make sure that the control areas for you to navigate. Is there enough cargo? Will the child seat fit, etc.
- Don’t feel obligated to buy the car on the same day. Take your time and think it over.
4. Check sale price and warranties
Ensure that you check the sale prices and the warranties that come with the car. You can request the dealer directly or drop the mail on their contact mail address, enquiring about the price and the best price available for the model. You can try bargaining to some extent, if possible. But of course, you should not focus too much on that since your primary focus must be the quality and the features.
Make sure that the car has a warranty. You can directly contact the dealer in this, or maybe you can look up for it on their official website for your feasibility.
5. Take delivery
Once you are done with the agreement’s finalizing, make sure you take the car’s delivery at the dealership or at your home. Make sure that the car is clean and the gas tank is full. You may give your car a walk-around, checking, or any dents or scratches that might have occurred during the transportation.
Finally, let the salesperson give you a tour of your new car. The rundown should include showing how to pair your smartphone via Bluetooth device and demonstrating other essential features and safety devices. Though all of this information is there in the user manual, let’s face it, very few people ever read the manual.
Additionally, sign the contract after through reading only. If you do not have time for a complete demonstration when you sign the contract, reschedule the appointment later. With the amount of technology that comes in with a new car, that walk-through is essential and very useful. You will learn a lot of tricks and shortcuts you might not find on your own.
FAQs
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How do you go about buying a new car?
The fair idea of buying a new car has already been explained, but it is all about identifying and locating the vehicle you want to sum it up in a few words.
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What is the cheapest way to buy a car?
If you’re going with this idea, think for the long haul. Buying a used car, then keeping it for several years, is an expensive way to buy a car. Leasing is the best approach.
