A lot more goes into getting a good deal on a new car than just finding the lowest price. Most important of all is correctly choosing a vehicle to best suit your needs, desires and budget. Getting this right will require devoting time to researching your choices and giving careful thought to what your top vehicle priorities really are.
Dividing the car buying process into individual stages is a great way to avoid becoming overwhelmed. It also allows you to proceed at your own pace and contemplate every decision as you progress. Following these steps purposefully will help you achieve better results and eliminate the stress of trying to accomplish too much at once:
Plan ahead. The more time you devote to planning your purchase the better decisions you’ll make. Consider when the time may be right to replace your old car before investing more money in it or risking a sudden breakdown that could force a snap purchase. If you’re leasing, start exploring your options at least 60-90 days before lease end. Prioritize the features that you want your next vehicle to have. Narrow your focus to specific makes and models by setting parameters for price, body style, size and MPG range. Planning ahead will allow you to recognize and take advantage of the best incentives and market opportunities.
Do your homework. The Internet has a wealth of product information and reviews at your fingertips. Learn about vehicles using third party websites like Edmunds, Cars.com and AOL Autos. YouTube has professional reviews of most vehicles that will give you an overall impression of what they offer and how they drive. Manufacturer’s websites have comprehensive information on all of their models. Use these resources to discover which models interest you.
Form you own opinions. Plan to see and drive the vehicles you’re interested in to find ones you like best. Pay attention to the small details in addition to how the cars drive and handle. Are there any blind spots, do the seats feel supportive, is the shoulder belt comfortable? There’s no need to get any pricing at this point. Your sole mission is to determine your one or two favorites.
Familiarize yourself with the market. Search for deals and incentives that are being advertised on your desired model(s). Read the fine print disclaimers in dealer’s newspaper ads. Discover how advertised prices often have specific incentives applied even though you may not qualify for them. Visit websites and forums that share what other consumers are paying for comparable vehicles. Research your trade in value if you have one.
Shop for the right deal. When you are ready to buy, avoid getting Internet quotes from dealers, as they are frequently unreliable. You’ll need to visit dealerships to get real pricing. Ask for itemized pricing with taxes and fees and your total delivered price. Shop and compare, repeat if necessary. Don’t allow anyone to pressure you. Be patient, sometimes dealer’s offers will improve while you are deliberating. Buy only when you are completely satisfied with your deal. Do business with a reputable dealership that you feel comfortable with, it’s always more important than saving a few dollars elsewhere.
