How to buy a car
Content
Buying a new car is an important event. For many people, a car is the most expensive thing they buy. Choose the right type of car according to your needs.
If you want to get around the city, to and from work, or just anywhere, you will need to buy a car. Whether you are buying a car for the first time or for the fifth time, this is an important decision. Take your time with such an important task and follow this guide to make the right choice.
Part 1 of 6: Decide what type of car you need
Step 1: Decide if you prefer new or used. Your first decision will be whether you want to buy a new car or a used model. You will find pros and cons in both options.
| Pros and cons | Create | Used |
|---|---|---|
| benefits | -Comes with OEM Factory Warranty -Ability to select features and options to get exactly the model you want -Latest technology and features -Better financing conditions | -Cheaper -Less cushioning – Lower insurance rates |
| Disadvantages of a no deposit bonus | -More expensive -May have higher insurance rates | - No or little warranty - Can't select all the features you want -May be limited by funding conditions |
Step 2: Decide what type of car you want. You have to decide what type of car you want and there are many options available. Vehicles belong to different categories.
| The main types of vehicles and their main characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Cars | light trucks |
| Sedan: has four doors, a closed trunk and enough space for passengers. | Minivan: maximizes interior volume for passengers or equipment; often comes with seating for six or more passengers |
| Coupe: has two doors, but sometimes four seats, with an emphasis on style and sporty driving. | Sport utility vehicle (SUV): a large vehicle with high ground clearance and plenty of interior space for passengers and equipment; often designed for off-road driving and/or cargo hauling |
| Wagon: Four doors like the sedan, but instead of a closed trunk, there is additional cargo space behind the rear seats, with a large liftgate in the rear. | Pickup: designed for transportation and / or towing; an open bed behind the passenger compartment increases the amount of cargo |
| Convertible: a car with a removable or folding roof; built for fun, sporty driving, not practicality | Van: Designed specifically for cargo space typically oriented towards commercial use. |
| Sports car: designed specifically for sports driving; has sharp handling and increased power, but reduced load capacity | Crossover: shaped like an SUV, but built on a car chassis rather than a truck chassis; good interior volume and ride height, but less off-road capability |
Within each category there are additional subcategories. Based on your needs, you will have to decide which types you like.
Consider which features are also the most important. While you probably won't get everything you want, you can narrow down your options according to the two or three features that matter most to you.
Part 2 of 6. Exploring Different Models
Once you know which car category you want, start searching for models in that group.
Step 1: Visit Manufacturers' Websites. You can visit the websites of various car manufacturers such as Toyota or Chevrolet to see what models they have.
Step 2: Read car reviews. You can find reviews of specific makes and models on sites like Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book.
Step 3: Check the safety ratings. You can get safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Part 3 of 6: Determining the budget
Step 1. Predict how much you can spend on monthly payments. Find out how much money you have in your monthly budget to pay for a car if you finance.
Step 2: Estimate your monthly payments. Use the online calculator to calculate your monthly payments based on the price of your chosen model. Don't forget to add additional costs such as custom features if it's a new car and insurance.
Step 3: Apply for a loan. If you are planning to finance a car, to find out what kind of financing you are eligible for, you need to apply for a car loan.
Step 4. Predict how much money you can deposit. Determine how much money you have for a down payment or to pay the full amount if you choose not to fund.
Part 4 of 6. Search for dealerships and test drive models
Step 1. Check out the various dealerships in your area.. After you collect all the information, you must find a dealer.
Check reviews or reviews online and see their ratings from the Better Business Bureau.
Other factors to consider when making a decision include internal financing options, availability of your preferred models, and used car warranty options.
Step 2. Visit several dealerships in person. Go to one or two dealerships that seem right to you and see what models are available. Ask about any incentives or special offers.
Step 3: Test Drive Multiple Vehicles. Choose two or three different models and take each one for a test drive.
- FunctionsA: If you decide to buy a used car through a private person, you will not go to a dealership. However, you can meet with two or three sellers to compare prices and test their models. It's also a good idea to have a qualified mechanic, like one from AvtoTachki, to inspect any used car you're seriously considering buying.
Part 5 of 6: Determining the value of a car
When you have two or three patterns that interest you, you must figure out their meanings. You want to know that you are paying as much as the car costs, or less, but no more.
Step 1. Find out the cost of each model on the Internet.. Visit the Kelley Blue Book website for the market value of the models you are considering.
Step 2: Compare cost with dealer prices. Compare the dealer's price with the price offered by other dealers and the price listed in the Kelley Blue Book.
Part 6 of 6: Price Negotiations
Once you have chosen a dealer and found the car you want, you are ready to negotiate the price.
Step 1: Ask about a trade-in. If you're ready to trade in your old car for a new model, find out how much you can get for your trade-in.
Step 2: Ask about additional costs. Find out what additional costs were included in the price. Some of them may be negotiable while others are required by the rules.
Step 3: Bid based on your research. Make sure you have data to support the price you are listing.
- Functions: Find out the final price you're willing to pay, even if it's not the price you originally listed.
Step 4: Discuss other aspects of the sale. Be prepared to negotiate other aspects of the car if the price is firm. You can request additional options or accessories to be included free of charge.
Buying a car is a big undertaking, whether it's new or used, your first or fifth. But by following the steps outlined above and carefully researching the various aspects of the process - different makes and models, dealerships, prices, etc. - you should be able to successfully find and buy the right vehicle for you.
