Purchasing a vehicle is one of your most important financial decisions. It’s a significant investment that requires careful consideration. Comparison shopping is essential for such a large purchase, because no one wants to find out they have overpaid after signing on the bottom line!
The first step in the vehicle buying process is deciding on your budget. Analyze your income and expenses to figure out what kind of monthly payment you can afford. When constructing your budget, consider the costs of insurance, maintenance, and gas, as well as up front costs like registration or warranties.
Begin this part of the process early, so that you can save money for a down payment. There are many auto loan calculators online that can help you compare different down payments and loan terms. There are even loan calculating smartphone apps that you can use while you are out car shopping.
You will often get a better deal, and have a more pleasant buying experience, if you secure a pre-approval for an auto loan through your bank or credit union. Many dealerships have finance departments that can help you secure a loan, but you may get a better rate by using a lender you have a previous relationship with, or the same institution that handles your mortgage.
Be sure to check your credit report and correct any errors on it before applying for an auto loan. Next, make a list of the features that are most important to you in a new vehicle. Consider who the primary drivers and passengers will be and how the vehicle will be used. Decide what features are most important to you, and what features might be nice, but are truly optional.
Use independent sources to compare the fuel economy, safety, performance, and maintenance requirements of different makes, models, and years. Sources like Consumer Reports rank car models according to different criteria and collect the results of comparative tests as well as user reviews.
Once you have selected a couple of models that will fit your needs, a critical part of your car buying process is figuring out what a fair price for the vehicle is before you head to the dealer. One powerful comparison shopping tool available online is TrueCar, a platform that connects car buyers with a network of 6,000 certified car dealers to help consumers compare prices across a wide range of sellers and against what other buyers in their area paid for similar vehicles.
Buyers receive an online price estimate that they can then take to a local certified dealer, where a trained sales professional completes their purchase. Online price comparison services like these help car buyers expect a fair price and experience no-haggle car buying.
The car buying process can be involved. Investing time in making an informed decision will help ensure that the car you end up with is the car you really want.
Understand your finances, choose the car that best fits your needs, and buy smarter by comparing prices. Following these steps will ensure that you drive away happy with your purchase!
Gail Gardner
Latest posts by Gail Gardner (see all)
- Mastering Google Analytics FREE eCourses + Google Analytics 360? [Infographic] - September 9, 2021
- How an Accessible Website Can Accelerate Business Growth - September 7, 2021
- 3 Surprising Ways Technology is Taking Over Healthcare [Infographics] - August 31, 2021
These are really very nice tips related to buying a car, as it is a one-time investment for a longer period people or individuals research more and more then only comes to their final decision.
such a nice post. thank you
i have a small business . can you suggest me how can i grow up my business?
Hi Al,
First priority: exceptional customer service. Get that right and you’ll get referral busines.
Next priority: get your local listings, especially Google My Business. Before you start, write down EXACTLY how you will spell the name, address, phone number, etc. for your business. They must be EXACT in every single listing, and also on all your business licenses, bank accounts, loan applications, stationary, etc. This is VERY important.
TO rank well in local listings, then you need incoming links. First claim all the major social networks using ONE username everywhere. Use Knowem.com to find a username that is available on all the important social networks. This helps your local listings rank and also insulates your business from negative feedback online.
Once you have these things done, then focus on doing keyword research and developing pillar content to attract incoming links.
Gail Gardner would love you to read ..WordPress Gutenberg Mandatory Change Dec 6 2018: Why You MUST DO THIS NOW!
Hello,
The best vehicle buying deals are given nice information and tips to buy a new car or other vehicles…. Also you should compare the prices regarding deals……
I thankful to the admin of this blog……..
Regards Chhaya
Chhaya would love you to read ..Professional & Automatic Hair Styling Curling Tools @ $38.78
Thank-you Gail Gardner For Sharing this Article with us, Its really helpful to othersIt is important to think about the car insurance for a specific car as well.One needs to take care of the salient points mentioned above when buying it for need. Where there are safe bike lanes, bicycles can be a great alternative to motorized vehicles.Regards Tina
It is important to think about the car insurance for a specific car as well. If you are looking to buy a sports car, you have to take into account that your car insurance will probably go up some when you buy the car.
@ Jery Jhon
Its the time to get the car, but you should compare the prices regarding deals. Whenever you purchase a car on installment, you must have a look on the complete term and conditions.
Zareen would love you to read ..SHEQ Training in South Africa : Coca Cola Traineeships 2014
These are dreams of a middle class person to buy a car, a house. Buying a car for need is different while the same bought for luxury is different. One needs to take care of the salient points mentioned above when buying it for need. For luxury, there are various options where one might not need to compromise.
I always prefer bike instead of cars. Bikes are easy to drive and there are also many remaining benefits of bikes. What you say..???
Honestly iDev, I haven’t owned a car in years by choice. Where I live a bicycle wouldn’t be very useful as the roads aren’t paved. Where there are safe bike lanes, bicycles can be a great alternative to motorized vehicles.
Gail Gardner would love you to read ..WANTED: Bloggers Interested in Collaborating to Increase Their Incomes
Wow thats nice tips.. Its time to buy my own car 🙂
jery jhon would love you to read ..Bridges Wallpapers & Backgrounds