Buying a new car can be nerve-wracking, especially if you don’t really know what you are looking for or are not all that comfortable, or even interested, in talking about cars. To make the whole process a little bit easier, here is a step-by-step guide for buying a new car.
- Research the cars available and decide which is for you.
There are thousands and thousands of cars on the road and not every one of those will be suitable for you, thankfully. Firstly, take some time to research the cars available. Consider what you need it for. Research the size of car you want and need. Research the fuel type that will suit the driving you do. Research the different manufacturers and their specialties. Do they have a famed model? A strong reputation? If you think you have identified a manufacturer you like the look of, compare their models. For example, if you visit Automax Hyundai you can narrow down the search to results to show you the different models of Hyundai available. Compare the options and work out what is suitable for you.Are you buying a family car? If so, chances are you’ll need a big car. Perhaps with a more elevated ride. Perhaps you are driving around cities and need a small compact car that is easy to park? Align your needs with the makes and models available. Don’t forget the more you know about a car the better placed you will be when you walk into the dealership.
- Know your budget.
You need to know exactly how much you have available to spend before you try and spend it. If you don’t have enough for the car you need, yes need not want, then consider a car loan. If you are going down this route then it might be a good idea to get a pre-approved loan before car shopping. Doing this, and knowing your budget, will help keep you on track when shopping and prevent you from bowing to sales pressures for add ons or extras you might not need. - Go shopping.
So you know what size, make, and model of the car you want, and how much you have to spend. Now for the fun part, shopping, but be sure to shop around. Visit multiple dealerships and make sure you do your homework on what is available. Also, don’t be afraid to change your mind. You may find a make and model that is much better suited to you, when you see it in person, as opposed to behind a screen. - Test drive
Do not buy a car without taking it for a test drive. Firstly it will give you an indication of the condition of the car but also you will get a feel for it and whether you like it. Is the size right? Is it comfortable? Do you like the driving position? The interiors? Are you confident driving it? Testing the car will help answer these questions. - Negotiate
You’ve driven the car of your dreams and now you want to drive it home. Before you do, make sure you negotiate the price. The automotive industry is one of the few that allows you to disregard the list price. Be prepared to haggle a little to get the best price. Top tip, if there is little or no room on the price suggest some added extras are thrown into the package, such as after-sales services.