Looking For New Wheels? A Guide To Stress-Free Car Buying

Looking For New Wheels? A Guide To Stress-Free Car Buying

If you took a moment to Google new or used cars, you’d be greeted with hundreds of links and adverts. While it’s fantastic to have a choice as a buyer, being inundated with offers and ads can be confusing. With so many makes and models to choose from, how do you go about finding the right car for you? If you’re shopping around for new wheels, here are some tips to make the buying process a breeze.

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Setting a budget

Perhaps the most important step to take when embarking upon a search for a new car is setting a budget. Buying a car costs money, and it’s always beneficial to work out how much you can spend long before you fall head over heels for a car that is way out of your price range. Figure out how much you have available either to pay out as a lump sum or to put down a deposit and then pay the remaining costs monthly. If you’re looking online, you can set filters to ensure that the results match your budget, and you can organize results based on price. If you’re considering getting a car on finance and spreading the cost over a period of a few years, ensure you can afford the monthly payments, and shop around for deals and special offers. You might find that some dealerships put a contribution towards your down payment, for example. Once you’ve got a budget, you can focus on vehicles that match your requirements.

New versus used

If you’re on the hunt for a new car, think about whether you want a brand new vehicle straight off the forecourt or a used car. New cars have the advantage of being in pristine condition, they won’t have previous owners, and you may have more control over customization options, but it is worth noting that new vehicles lose value very quickly. As you drive away from the dealership, your car will have already lost value. Used cars may not give you the flexibility in terms of color, trim or features, but they often offer better value for money. If you know exactly what kind of car you’d like, but you can’t afford a new model, look for nearly new cars instead. When shopping for a used car, take care when buying from private sellers and be prepared to negotiate with dealers. It’s wise to research in advance to make sure you pay what the car is worth. Taking a car out for a test drive is always a good idea. You can get a feel for the vehicle, gauge comfort and performance levels and see how it runs.

Creating a wish list

Every driver is different, and some people have different priorities and requirements to others. When you’re exploring your options, think carefully about what matters to you most. Are you looking for a family-friendly vehicle with plenty of space and a flawless safety record, or are you searching for a sporty number that offers a thrilling ride? Do you need a versatile car or truck you can use for work, or is fuel economy your main concern? Create a wish list based on your individual preferences. This will help you narrow down the options.

Researching

Seeing a car in a showroom or on a garage forecourt is very different to driving a car day in, day out, and this is why research is important. Take your time to compare different contenders, learn more about various makes and models and seek expert advice. If you’re thinking about buying a Chevy, visit an experienced dealer, look at the models that tick the boxes, and take a test drive. Ask questions, get recommendations, and don’t be too hasty when it comes to making a decision. If you don’t have a specific make in mind, visit different dealerships or go to a vendor that sells cars from multiple manufacturers. If you have a short list, mull over the pros and cons, and don’t forget to ask about prices. There may be some room for maneuver if you’re prepared to haggle.

Picture source: https://pixabay.com/photos/autos-autotransport-new-cars-3631086/

Booking a test drive

Looking good is not the only criteria that concerns prospective car buyers. Every model is different, and you might find that some cars are a lot more comfortable than others, some are easier to handle, and some are lighter, quicker, and more responsive. Booking a test drive offers a host of benefits. You can really get a feel for a car when you’re driving around, and you can compare how you feel with other driving experiences. You may find that the car that was leading the way before the test drive doesn’t meet your expectations when you’re behind the wheel, and this is why doing a trial run can be useful. You’ll also get a better idea of the space available inside the vehicle, and you can learn more about the features and gadgets.

Closing the deal

If you’ve found the one, it’s time to close the deal. If you’re taking out a contract and paying monthly, it’s always beneficial to compare prices from different dealers before signing on the dotted line. If you’re paying up front for a new or used car, look out for special offers and try and bring the price down. In many cases, the ticket price is negotiable, and if you’re prepared to drive a hard bargain, you could save yourself a substantial amount of money.

Image via https://kaboompics.com/photo/3721/wheel-of-the-car-bmw-i8

Has your car seen better days, or is your current contract drawing to a close? If you’re searching for a new car, shopping doesn’t have to be stressful. Set a budget, think about what you want and take your time to look at different makes and models, take some for a spin and weigh up the pros and cons. Shop around for the best prices, visit reputable dealerships only, compare used and new cars and give negotiating a go. It’s always useful to be open-minded and to make sure you have all the information you need before you make a final decision.  

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
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