Buying a car can be very traumatic.
The experience of buying my first new car
had me going crazy. After settling down
and logically approaching the purchase,
I was finally able to calm down.
Here are some of the basic things we all
need to do before making our purchase.
- The Number one priority(for most of us)is
’HOW MUCH CAN YOU AFFORD TO SPEND’?
Once this is determined(and please, be honest
with yourself) don’t exaggerate, don’t bend your
budget or sugar coat your financial situation.
Owning a car is wonderful but putting yourself
in financial peril is not.
- Define your wants and needs.
What will the vehicle be used for? How many
miles will you drive it daily? What type of
driving will you be doing(highway or local
streets?) Do you require 4 doors? Will you
be travelling off-road frequently?
Once this is decided you must do your homework.
The internet provides hundreds of sites where you
can research any car. Many of these sites include
reviews, prices, comparisons and options. Do not
cut corners here. The more you know the better
off you will be when the time comes to choose
your car. Some of the sites I used(here in
the U.S.) are:
http://www.carsmart.com
http://www.autotrader.com
http://www.autobytel.com
Use your search engine to find one for the country
you live in. Many include calculators to show you
how much you can afford to spend. Use them. Most
include tips, hints and suggestions regarding
your purchase. Take the time to read them.
My last piece of advice comes from experience.
With all the information available to consumers,
there are very few ways for car dealers to
inflate their prices on the car itself and
available options.(Sure, they may try to
sell you options you don’t need but you must
be firm and walk away if necessary).
They can(and many try) to make money on the
financing. Subtle little things like including
your down payment in the financing terms.(This
is wrong and illegal as it is double-billing,
yet many people miss this little item). Be
careful, check the math yourself, do not take
the salespersons word. Select the the credit
terms that suit your budget. If you don’t
understand or you’re not clear on the terms
or language of the sale contract - ASK!
To sum it all up, know what you can afford,
know what you need, do your homework and
be firm. Don’t be swayed by the salesman.
I apologize for being so wordy, but buying a
car is a major decision and one that should
not be taken lightly.
Good luck and enjoy the ride!