Buying a new car is one of the best experiences in life. The only challenge comes in when you have to pick your dream car. With thousands of car models and types, how do you decide what car to buy?
Determining which car to buy is never easy. You have to know how much you want to spend. Secondly, you have to know what you intend to use the car for. Other things to consider include the space that you require, features, new/old car, and how to power the car.
After answering all the above questions, you can now narrow down your choices and select the best car for your budget and needs. To make things easier for you, we’ve explained further how you can go about buying your dream car.
How much do you want to spend?
Before you select any car, you need to have a budget in mind. This will make things easier for you so that you don’t stretch your pocket too much. If you want a standard vehicle, you should have at least $37,876. This is the average price of cars in the US.
However, there are more affordable cars if your budget is below the average price. Most compact cars cost less than $20,000. But if you want a luxury car, you should set aside at least $40,000. This cost can go up exponentially depending on the type and model of luxury car you desire.
Do you want a new or used car?
Depending on your needs, you can decide to either buy a new or used car. New cars are expensive and buying a used one can save you some dollars. A used car is good for a new driver or teenagers. Also, you can opt for a used car if you don’t have the money to spend on the latest models.
Whatever decision that you make, ensure that your car payments don’t exceed 15% of your monthly salary. This is important as it will help you to cover other expenses, such as food, rent, bills, mortgage, and car insurance payments.
What do you want to use the car for?
Unless you’re buying a car for a fan, it’s vital to know what you intend to use it for. This will help you select the right car for the purpose. If you want to save money, buy a small car, but if you have a family, avoid a small 2-door car. And if you have a large family, go for an SUV.
How much space do you need?
Do you normally carry luggage or taller people? If you usually carry luggage, you should opt for an SUV or full-size minivan. Also, you can select a station wagon as they usually have a large trunk. If you’re tall, consider getting a car with a spacious interior.
What type of features do you need?
Most cars come with standard features, while others have more advanced features. If you want a car with advanced features, you may have to pay more. In most cases, luxury cars come with high-tech features, which offer a unique experience to users. However, these cars are also costly.
Do you want a petrol, diesel, hybrid, or electric car?
Another thing to look at is what your car will run on. Most cars run on either petrol or diesel. Therefore, most car brands produce petrol and diesel variants. However, you also have other options such as hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electricity.
Before you pick any power source for your car, consider its pros and cons. If you cover more than 12,000 miles annually, a diesel car is not suitable. And if you’re looking for an electric car, ensure that charging stations are widely spread in your area so that you’re not stranded on the highway.
Do research
If you want to get the best deal and a reliable car, you have to do thorough research. Check whether the car has issues. Also, check its reliability rating on sites like Consumer Reports. Furthermore, you can see whether it has passed safety tests from the IIHS and NHTSA.
Schedule a test drive
Never pay for a car without conducting a test drive. This will help you to know whether the car is comfortable for you or not. Some cars are only good for taller people and shorter people. Make sure you get in and out of the car with much ease.
FAQ
When is the best time to buy a car?
The best time to buy a car is during the months of October, November, and December. At this time of the year, most car dealerships have sales quotas to meet. Apart from that, you can also get a good deal during major holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, New Year’s Eve, and Black Friday.
What is the best car for the money?
The best car for the money is the Honda Accord. This midsize sedan offers all the features that a person can desire in a compact car. On top of that, it’s affordable but comes with almost all the standard features that you can desire in a car. Besides, the car is reliable and durable.
Which car should I not buy?
If you want to enjoy your ride and avoid spending almost half of your time in the garage, you should avoid the Ford Fiesta, Ford Focus, Land Rover Discovery Sport, and Chevrolet Silverado. These cars have lots of problems that will make you spend more time at the mechanic.
What should you not say to a car dealer?
To get the best deal from a car dealer, there are some things that you should never say to them. These include I love this car, I need to buy a car today, I don’t know much about cars, and my credit isn’t that good. Such words will make you get a raw deal from the car dealer.
Conclusion
Deciding on the type of car to buy is never an easy decision. If you rush to buy a car without considering a lot of things, you may end up regretting it in the end. Some of the vital things to look at are your budget, purpose, type of car, and features.
Besides, you should also compare different car models in the same class and test drive the car to find out if it’s what you’re looking for.