All posts tagged auto buying

Makes and Models: How to Decide Which Kind of Vehicle is Best for You

auto buying, car buying

When shopping for a new car, you might feel like you’re in over your head. There are so many different models to choose from. The advantages of one vehicle could quickly be outweighed by its disadvantages. You can’t just buy a new vehicle without doing sound research and soul-searching. Here are four tips for deciding which kind of vehicles is best for you.

Decide between New and Used

Even before you start to narrow down what model of car you want, you’ll likely be debating between new and used. While used cars cost less than new ones, they have disadvantages. They can be less reliable, thanks to not having the same advanced safety features of new cars. Some companies, like Hoover Mitsubishi, know that due to having more mileage, you might have to get rid of a used car sooner. There may also be maintenance issues that don’t immediately present themselves but affect you soon after.

Consider How Much You Drive

Some people drive 100 miles a day. Others live in pedestrian/public transit-friendly areas any only need their cars for things like out of town trips. When shopping for a new car, think about how much you’ll need it. You don’t want to sink too much money into a vehicle that will stay in your garage for weeks at a time. Consider your transportation needs and choose one that will work with them. If you need to transport equipment, a high-quality truck is your best option.

Consider Your Environment

Do you live in an area that gets heavy snow and rain on a regular basis? If so, you need a vehicle that can handle all kinds of terrain and weather. You need to make sure that your car is properly maintained and ready for any kind of emergencies that could happen. You should also know how to drive in hazardous conditions.

Consider Your Budget

The cars you should consider will be narrowed down by your budget. Hopefully, it won’t be narrowed down too drastically. Take a look at your finances and see if you are severely limited by the vehicles you can purchase. If you don’t have enough, just wait a bit longer and save up.

The perfect vehicle isn’t going to magically jump out at you. It requires taking the time necessary to learn about different kinds of vehicles to determine which would suit you best. If you’re having trouble deciding between several cars, choose the one you believe would be the best choice long-term. Give yourself plenty of time for making important decisions like this.

How to Take the Stress Out of Buying a New Car

buying new car

Buying your first car, or even trading in your much-used family favorite can be stressful event. The amount of choice, number of makes and models available on the market and rapidly changing technology can add even more stress to what should be a fairly straightforward decision.

As the motor industry continues to develop and adapt, you might soon feel like your motoring tastes are stuck in the past century! Don’t panic: remember that buying a new car should be an enjoyable experience. Even if you are after a used motor, buying a car is a luxury that you don’t afford yourself every day. So sit back, relax and follow our tips below to make your car purchase experience a lot more Zen.

Take your time

Buying a car is a big expense. So why feel the need to rush? When choosing your next vehicle, don’t feel that it needs to be a swift decision, remember, this is an investment rather than a weekly food shop – so do take your time and make the right choice. You could start by researching makes and models that you think will suit your needs, and do take time to research online forums and feedback to make sure you identify any glitches.

When you’ve chosen your model, decide if you want to buy a new or used car. Keep in mind that older more high spec models can be expensive to maintain, as parts can be more difficult to replace and obtain. That said, following a repayment plan on a new car could soon mount up. Draw up your budget and be fully aware of any additional costs. Time is money after all.

Visit a dealership

Visiting a dealership can be daunting. Salesmen, a wealth of information and the fear of the great unknown could put you off – but don’t let it. If you don’t feel comfortable visiting a dealership on your own, why not take a friend or even the whole family along. You are sure to be pleasantly surprised by the quality of service and attention to detail that awaits you, not to mention the freedom to browse a range of cars in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. So why not face your fear, and arrange to visit a dealership like Nissan Edinburgh to source the car that meets your needs. A reputable dealership will have an extensive collection of new and approved used cars for you to view.

Make a thorough inspection

You’ve found your ideal vehicle and are in a rush to drive it home. Well wait a minute! Don’t rush the final part of your deal. Before taking your new car home be sure to give the bodywork a thorough inspection and check that the motor is in good, working order. Don’t forget to take the car out for a test drive too. You will want to check that the steering is in order, and the brakes are responsive and springy, and that you find it comfortable.

Car Shopping: Tips and Tricks to Get You on the Road Fast

Car buying isn’t always an enjoyable process. Some salespeople won’t even let you get out of your current car before they are trying to sell you another one you don’t want. Going to the dealership with a plan in place will smooth things out and allow you to find the car you can truly be excited about buying.  This is something that most people desire when they buy a new car.

Test Drive

After searching online for the type of car you want, you need to test drive it to make sure it is as good a car on the road as it is on paper. Narrow down the field to two or three prospective cars you’re really interested in so that you have an organized plan.  When buying a car, you need to be shrewd, as in, picky. Test drive all of the cars to see how they handle different road conditions such as stop-and-go traffic, braking quickly, and acceleration. You should also think about how expensive they are to maintain. You might get a good deal to start with, but if it needs uncommon parts and requires lots of repair, it might be more money than it’s worth.

Pre-Approval

Once you have determined your budget for the monthly payments, it is a good idea to get pre-approval from a few lenders. If you have a less than perfect credit history, try to find a bank that is more lenient on their criteria. There are lenders out there that are willing to work with people who need a second chance to get a new vehicle. Having the pre-approval before you go to the dealership will provide you with some negotiating power.  Credit reporting data is an aspect of business that is integral to auto dealers. For instance, NCC Direct, Inc. realizes that the more accurate the data, the more sales and higher profit margins will result.  This makes it easier for auto dealers to help their customers.

Time of Year

Towards the second half of the year, dealerships are looking to get rid of the older models to make room for the new ones. They are more amenable to working out a lower price when it is prudent for the car to get off the lot. You can also get a great deal if you go at the end of the month any time of the year when the salesperson is trying to meet their monthly quota.

When you decide it’s time to get a new car, it shouldn’t be met with a groan. Getting a new car should be a pleasant and happy experience. Doing your due diligence at home to get the best car loan for you, going to the dealership at the right time of month and year, and testing out your top picks will increase the odds that you leave in your fresh new car with a smile on your face.

The Most Common Costly Mistakes People Make When Buying A Car

Shopping for a car can be both a stressful and exciting experience. A smart purchase involves the right preparation. Here are blunders people make that can dent a buyer’s wallet.

They don’t consider a used car

A new car will lose much of its value in the first year of ownership. A vehicle goes through a meticulous inspection to qualify for certification. Manufacturers evaluate physical condition, mechanical quality, and mileage. Cars chosen are less likely to need repairs down the road. A new car warranty ends at a certain age or mileage. Conversely, a certified warranty extends coverage beyond an original warranty’s expiration. If you buy a used car, consider the fuel economy, extra safety features, and look for cars with less mileage.

They forget to factor insurance costs

People often lose sight of this necessity in the car-buying process. However, insurance will add to your total cost. Call your insurance agent once you’ve narrowed your choices down to a few different makes and models. You may be able to save money with a particular trim level or engine size. The car size, make, and model can dramatically impact insurance premiums. A more expensive car is likely to render a higher premium. It also pays to comparison-shop auto insurers.

They don’t conduct a thorough test drive

DME Automotive reports that one in six buyers doesn’t perform a test drive. Roughly 30 percent take only a 10-minute stint around the block. However, this doesn’t provide a complete demonstration of the car’s overall behavior. Consider how you intend to use a car and whether a particular vehicle will meet your needs. Make a checklist of "must-have" features, and run through it during the test drive.

They omit doing vehicle research

Many people approach car shopping with vague ideas of what they want and how much they can afford. Using the internet to glean information equips you with bargaining power. You’ll have the buyer’s advantage with an online comparison of makes, models, reviews, road tests, and pricing. If you’re aiming to buy a used car, doing a VIN search is vital. A Vehicle Identification Number is your ticket to obtaining histories regarding title, accidents, leasing, mileage, and maintenance. You can quickly get a car history report on Instavin.

They succumb to sales pressure

It’s common for a salesperson to leave the negotiating table and speak to a manager, supposedly to get you a better deal. Upon returning, you may be told that a price reduction is only possible with an on-the-spot commitment. If you’re subject to this tactic, consider it a warning sign. If you’re confronted with mounting pressure to buy, tell the salesperson you’re uncomfortable and get up to leave. This will save you from being intimated into making a deal that you need to sleep on.

Save money, time, effort and stress by avoiding these car-buying blunders. It’s important to do your own research and know your budget before making a decision on car.

5 Important Tips to Follow When Buying Your Next Vehicle

Buying a car involves a major investment. By educating yourself on the buying process and its risks, you can avoid making serious mistakes. Here are five tips to help you buy your next vehicle.

Figure Out What You Need

What kind of car is right for you? You will have to look at your driving habits and at your budget. Consider factors like the number of passengers that you have on a regular basis as well as at the amount of cargo that you typically carry. If you carry lots of people and cargo, you may want to focus your search on SUVs and minivans. If the cargo that you carry is often too big to fit inside a standard vehicle, consider a pickup truck.

Keep your preferred driving experience in mind as well. Consider whether you want a car that is sporty and fun to drive like a coupe or one that offers practical benefits such as a sedan. You may be able to find a compromise between those two options. In order to simplify the decision-making process, browse the inventories of auto dealers like Chuck Colvin Ford Nissan.

Plan Your Dealership Visit

Your first visit to the dealership should be done with the intent to look, not to buy. Make it clear to salespeople that you have no intention of buying and resist any attempts to talk you into a deal. Spend some time inspecting vehicles, both inside and out. Look at the color and for signs that vehicle has more miles on it than has been stated. On the inside, consider the quietness of the cabin and the ease with which the controls are operated.

Look into the Costs of Ownership

Once you have decided on a particular vehicle, look into how much it costs to own it. The fact is that there is more to a car’s cost than the car payment.

Test Drive the Car

It is essential to get a feel for the car while it is moving. Remember that the car should be considered alongside other new vehicles and not the car that you presently own. This is because a new car is likely to be better than your present car and may cause you to be overly impressed. Consider factors like ride comfort and how the vehicle accelerates.

Get Ready to Negotiate

Before you visit your dealer with the intention of buying, you should research both the dealer and the car that you want. More information equals more bargaining power.

Given the size of a car purchase, it is important that you enter the transaction as a knowledgeable consumer. Research and planning are essential. Follow the above tips and take your time when going through the buying process.