4 Questions to Answer Before You Purchase a New Car
Before you purchase a new car, make sure you know what you need out of a new vehicle. A new car is a significant investment, and you want to make sure you invest in the right vehicle.
1. Who Will Drive the Vehicle?
Will you be the only person driving the vehicle, or will your spouse or children also be driving the vehicle? Will you split time driving the vehicle equally, or will one individual drive the vehicle more than anyone else?
If multiple people will drive the vehicle, look beyond your own comfort and needs. Consider what will be comfortable for everyone who will drive the vehicle.
For example, with multiple drivers, maybe you would prefer a vehicle with programmable buttons on the driver’s side seat. That way, each driver can press the corresponding button to their setting profile to automatically adjust the driver’s seat when it is their turn to drive.
As another example, if you will share the vehicle with a teenage driver, having a vehicle with advanced safety systems, such as forward-collision warning, lane departure warnings, and a rear-view camera, may be more important.
Be sure to also consider the height and weight of everyone who will drive the vehicle. For example, if one driver is short, make sure the seat can pull forward far enough for them to comfortably reach the pedals. Or if one driver is tall, make sure the roof of the vehicle is tall enough so their head doesn’t make contact with the roof.
2. What Will You Use the Vehicle For?
When you know the primary function of the vehicle, you can choose a vehicle that aligns with that primary function.
For example, if you will use the vehicle to commute to work, fuel economy may be your primary concern. Or if you will use the vehicle mainly as transportation for your hobbies, such as hiking or sports or kayaking, you may want a larger vehicle with lots of storage space. Or if you want to go off-roading with your vehicle, you will want a larger vehicle with modified suspension.
Write down the primary ways you intend to use the car, and then write down the features that would most support you in that primary purpose. This list will help you choose a car that fits your lifestyle.
3. Do You Want a New or Used Car?
With a new vehicle, you can pick out the options that come with the vehicle, and you will get to enjoy the warranty support a new vehicle provides. You will get a vehicle that is free of problems and should only require basic maintenance for many miles.
With a used vehicle, you can save some money on the purchase price of the vehicle. However, you will need to do a little more research into the condition of the vehicle to make sure the vehicle is in good shape and fits your needs.
4. What Is Your Budget?
When you consider your budget, think holistically about the cost. When you purchase a vehicle, in addition to the purchase price of the vehicle, you will need to pay taxes and registration fees up front.
Once you own the vehicle, you need to make sure you can afford both the monthly car payment and the car insurance payment. Don’t assume your insurance premium will be the same for your new vehicle as it was for your old vehicle; always check with an auto insurance company the current car insurance rates before purchasing a vehicle. This can help you determine which car insurance policy will best suit the needs of your car.
Know what you can pay for a vehicle right now and every month so you can look at vehicles that fit in your budget and choose the best financing option for your lifestyle. If you still can’t afford your dream car, you might want to start indices trading to make extra money.
Head on down to Roseville Auto Mall today, and we would be happy to help you find a vehicle from our complete line of new and pre-owned vehicle that will fit all of your requirements.
