The Ultimate Guide: Buying a Car
Looking for a new car? Congratulations! While you might wish your old car hadn’t died on you, a new car is a chance to stop going in for so many repairs for a few years. If it’s been awhile since you purchased one, or if this is your first time buying a car on your own, you’re probably wondering what you need to know ahead of time. You don’t want to get tricked, spend more than you need to, or buy a car you regret later. This is your ultimate guide to buying a car.
Research Car Dealerships
While you might be content to find a car on Craigslist, you probably want to go to a dealership instead. Start looking at dealerships near you. Check out the reviews. Ask family and friends if they have any recommendations. Not all dealerships are created equal, so from Jackson, MI to Milwaukee, WI, find a place without pushy salesmen, good reviews, and a trusted character.
Research Models
It helps to know what you want ahead of time. Would you prefer an American made vehicle or one from Japan? What model, size, and make do you need? The quality of a car and its likelihood of needing repairs will vary by the year, so know what makes you want to see when you get there. Also, research what a fair price for that car really is. If you know what the market really looks like, it will be harder to get tricked or pushed into spending more.
Don’t Buy a Car Immediately
Don’t buy a car at your first dealership, or purchase one on the first day you start looking. While you might be eager to just go home with something, you should sit on this decision for a couple of days. Look at several cars. Take notes and/or photos on each one, and try to remember the experience you had driving each one. After you’ve mulled over your decision away from all the sales pressure, you have a better chance of making the right decision for your new car.
Get the Car Checked
Before you buy a car, you have the right to get it checked out by a mechanic. That way, you know if the car is really in the condition the dealership/seller claims. If you don’t have a mechanic you trust, you should take some time to research nearby mechanics. Check out their reviews. Once again, ask for feedback from friends or family. Be wary of a seller who insists you see their mechanic of choice. When possible, take the car to an independent mechanic, and get it checked. If the mechanic finds nothing wrong, then you should be good to go.
Buying a new car doesn’t have to be stressful, expensive, or difficult. If you need to brush up on your haggling skills before you go, do it. However, for the most part, just know what you should expect to pay, and what years and models you’re ultimately seeking.
