Automotive

Tips to Know Before Buying a Car

As we all know that buying a car costs us much, such as a lot of money, time and preparations. No matter you are buying a new or used car in the market, here are some suggestions that may help you.

1.Do Your Research

Before starting your purchase, you ought to be fully prepared. Do a research on the making, models and decorations of the cars you are interested in. Online resources such as Kelley Blue Book and Consumer Reports perform well in price comparison, reviews and understanding fair market values. Knowing the invoice price and the retail price will make you stay in dominant position when negotiating.

2.Timing is Key

Buying at the right time canhave a big impact on the price. To meet sales quotas, dealerships frequently offer discounts towards the end of each month, quarterand year. Plus, new models usually come out in late summeror early fall, creating great opportunities to buy outgoing models at a discount. Holidays such asBlack Friday, Memorial Day and Labor Day are also good times to find deals.

3.Focus on Buying Used or Certified Pre-Owned

Newvehicles depreciate rapidly, losing as much as 20% of their value during the original year. And choosing a used or certified pre-owned (CPO) car could save you thousands and still be a dependable vehicle.Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) cars are usually more expensive than a typical used car, but they include an extended warranty and come after undergoing a rigorous inspection, making them a safe choice for buyers.

4.Financing Pre-Approval

Getting a loan from your bank or credit union before you everstep on the dealership lot can give younegotiating power. While many dealerships will have a financing offer that ishighly competitive, obtaining a loan from a bank or credit union will at least know your budget and interest rate in advance to start your negotiations.Compare different offers to maximize best option.

5.Negotiate the Monthly Payment

“Remember, they look at the monthly payment. You should look at the total cost of the car.” Dealers can stretch out the loan term to make monthly paymentsmore manageable, but usually, this means paying more interest over time. Make sure you get theout-the-door price, including taxes and any fees.

6.Makethe Most of Incentives and Rebates

Cash rebates, low-interest financing or special lease deals are common from manufacturers and dealerships. Visit the automaker’s website or ask the dealerabout current promotions. There can be big savings fromcombining the incentives and negotiation.

7.Shop Around

Refuse toaccept the first offer. This will save you money to compare prices at different dealerships or online. Let dealers know you’re looking around — that can motivate them to make an offer that’s best to win your business.

8.Examine the Carin Great Detail

If you’re buying used, always checkthe car’s condition and get a vehicle history report (Carfax or AutoCheck, for example). If the car is new, inspect it for any cosmetic or mechanical problems before leaving the lot. Adetailed inspection guarantees the vehicle is of quality.

9.Be Willing to Walk Away

If the deal falls short of what you want, don’t hesitate to walk away. Make sure that you’re serious if you want to know the best price a dealer will negotiate with you. In the long run, patient waiting will prove beneficial.

10.Factor in Total OwnershipCosts

Lookat thetotal cost of ownership,including insurance, routinemaintenance,fuel and depreciation. If acheaper car is expensive to maintain or has poor fuel economy, it may cost more over the long haul.

These tips will allow you to effectively maneuver through the car-buying process with confidence, and you will get a great deal. Just remember that planning and patience are your greatest alliesin saving money and getting behind the wheel of the perfect car for you.