Buying a New Car
Buying a new car should be a thrilling experience, but the stress of it all compounded by trying to get everything you want and need within your budget, might just leave you feeling dejected by the end of the day.
Be reasonable with your expectations, and smart about your decision. You don’t have to know when you arrive at the dealership exactly which car you will be driving off the lot, but you should know some basic things. Take into account what size car you want, what sort of capabilities you need, and your gas-efficiency expectations.
If you are buying this vehicle to transport a family, think of what would make your daily commute easier. If you have a family of six, don’t buy a vehicle that only sits four. If you have a Great Dane, think about how comfortable he would be on a trip to the vets. But don’t think that just because you have a family that you need the biggest, roughest, toughest vehicle on the road; you just need something functional to make your day go smoother.
Walking into a dealership is not an instant agreement that you must leave the premises of a car. Dealership employees know how big of a decision it is, and that it’s not something that will happen in an instant. Take your time, walk around, open doors and really feel the vehicle out. The simplest test is to sit in the drivers seat and take a deep breath. Is this a car you can picture you and your family in? Does it feel right, is it comfortable in every conceivable way? If you can’t quite find yourself in rhythm with the car, it’s as easy as moving onto the next.
Once you find the vehicle that you know will be perfect for you and your needs, take some time to research it online. Also make sure you test drive it multiple times, in scenarios that you will likely find yourself in over the years. Is it your responsibility to get the kids to school everyday? Then take a test-drive with kids, backpacks, and car seats in tow. This is the only practical way that you will be able to truly get to know the car before you purchase it.
Remember, the dealership wants you to leave happy, so don’t be afraid to discuss any worries or concerns you might have. Only once you are truly in love with the car will you have the impetus to truly haggle. Ultimately, think about what you need from the dealership to feel confident in making your purse.
One major factor you should really be looking into is the safety features, or lack thereof. Take the time really ask about each feature, and make sure the vehicle is going to offer what you need for safety features.
