There are many factors that go into choosing a car, including the cost of the car, the cost of insurance, gas mileage, maintenance costs, and repairs. These factors can greatly affect your purchase decision, which is why it’s important to plan ahead. By taking a little time to determine what kind of vehicle you want and what you’ll need from it long-term, you’ll be able to make a more informed purchase decision.
- Assess your needs: The right car for you depends on your needs. If you’re a student, you’re probably looking for a fuel-efficient commuter that’s also affordable. If you’re an upscale executive, you want the latest features and high-end luxury materials. If you’re someone who drives in harsh weather conditions frequently, you need something that is sturdy and reliable.
- Set your budget: So how much can you afford? Unless you are paying in cash for your new car purchase, you will need to think about getting a loan. The general rule is that the monthly payment for your new car should not exceed 15 percent of your pay. Of course, if you are looking to buy a pre-owned car, your monthly outgo will be less, but even then, you’ll want to ensure that you aren’t paying more than 15% of what you make.
- Consider all your options: Do you have your heart set on a specific brand of car or a particular model? Don’t stop there. You should make sure to compare models in the same class to ensure you haven’t missed a better–and possibly less expensive–vehicle.
- Test drive a few cars: Once you have a rough idea of which car you want, call or text the dealership’s sales department. Tell them your preferences, and ask them to find the model for you. They’re likely to have a fleet of vehicles in stock that you can test drive. Be sure to bring someone else along on your test drives; this person can take notes and shoot photos of each vehicle’s features.
After your test drive, you can proceed to buy a vehicle that really stands out to you.
