Are you ready to make an investment in a new car? If it is time to add a car to your collection (or to purchase your first), there are a few critical steps to take before you even step into a car for a test drive.
Rushing into the car buying process can leave you with a less than satisfactory purchase, and it is more likely that you don’t get the best deal. However, when you choose to buy a new car and you carefully plan your purchase, you will select the best model and find the financing situation that fits your needs. You’ll also feel more confident in your choice to buy a new car.
At Sallas, we love helping people learn about their cars. Clients ask us about their new cars everyday. We’d like to help our Kansas City community make the best purchases every time they start searching for a new car. That’s why we’ve gathered a few tips for starting off the car-buying process.
Kansas City, check out the first major steps to take before you buy a new car:
1. Plan financing
If you’ll be using a loan to purchase a new car, you need to start by getting approved for a car loan. If you’ll lease, instead, you need to begin that process. Getting approved before you start helps you set a budget and know how much you’ll be paying monthly. It also puts you in a great position when negotiating with the dealer or seller.
2. Trade-in (if you need to)
If you’re trading in a vehicle, you’ll need to know what your car is worth. Check your car’s value on Kelley Blue Book or another online used car pricing website. There are several pricing sites that give you value estimates based on your vehicle’s make, model, age, mileage and history. If you’d like an even more accurate number, get an appraisal on your trade-in vehicle.
3. Decide what you can afford
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to explain how much of your budget should be committed to your car or transportation. However, there are a few guidelines that seem right for many people. Many suggest that no more than 15-20% of your total monthly budget should go to car expenses. What most people forget is that these car expenses also include gas, payments, insurance and regular maintenance. When you consider your transportation expenses that way, you get a more realistic vision of where your money goes when you buy a new car.
After these steps, you’re ready to start checking out cars, comparing models, and selecting the right one for you and your family! We’re here for you every step of the way. While you research and plan to buy a new car, Sallas Auto is your stop for answers to the real questions you have.