05 Car Buying Tips

 Are you thinking about buying a car this year, but have no idea how to go about it? Buying a car is a big financial decision, and one you shouldn’t just rush through over the course of a weekend.

Start your research with these 10 car buying tips to help you find an affordable car that also fits your lifestyle.

1. Figure out your car budget

Let’s start with a bit of a reality check: new cars drop in value like a bag of rocks, losing 60% of their value in the first five years!.This isn’t a smart investment. You really should only consider buying new if you have plenty of money to burn.

If you don’t have the funds for a used or certified pre-owned car right away, you’ll have to make room in your budget to set money aside each month. Figure out where you can get by on less and how much you can afford to put toward your car fund.

2. Narrow down your choices

Once you’ve decided on a price, start looking at cars that fit your budget. There are plenty of ways to find used cars in your area. Your local dealership likely has a website for you to view the cars they have in stock. And you can check sites like Craigslist to see what other cars are on the market.

Narrow down your options to a few cars that fit your price range and needs. Consider factors such as safety, speed, gas mileage, comfort, and how it handles in bad weather. Just because something is a good fit for your wallet doesn’t mean it will work for your lifestyle.

And if a car you love is a little above your budget, go ahead and include it on your list. As a cash buyer, you’ll have the power to negotiate a better price.

3. Do your research before buying a car

When you find a car you like, it’s time to do some research. Look up the Kelley Blue Book value of the vehicle to make sure the price is fair for that year and model.

You should also check each vehicle’s history report. This will tell you the accident history, repair information, potential recalls, and other important information about the car.

Simply request the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) from the seller and use a website like VehicleHistory.com or Carfax.com to research the car’s history.

Some sites charge for the information they provide. And while paid reports are more comprehensive, free reports will alert you to any major red flags. Some car dealerships or private sellers will also provide a report if you ask. Either way, it’s worth a check. If you get a good deal but end up in the shop every week for maintenance, you’ll spend more money in the long run.

4. Get a car insurance quote

By now, you should have a handful of potential cars that check out history-wise and fit within your budget. But it’s not enough to be able to pay for the car—you’ll also need to make sure you can pay for the insurance that comes with it.

Talk to your current insurance agent about running a few quotes for the cars you have in mind. If the price is too steep, don’t be afraid to consult an independent agent for more options.

Online insurance quote generators can be helpful, but you’ll get a better deal by talking to an insurance agent on the phone or in person. You might even be eligible for discounts you didn’t know existed!

If you want to save even more money on a car, use an Endorsed Local Provider (ELP) to get the best car insurance for your budget. These indepenedent insurance agents shop around to get the best deal on car insurance that’s truly customized to fit your needs. People who use an ELP save an average of $731 a year on insurance premiums.

5. Take a test drive

Now for the fun part: Take the car for a test drive Skrotpræmie! 

Know exactly what you want before you even step foot in a dealership. And keep an eye out for their upselling tactics! If the dealership doesn't have the car you want but has a budget-breaking similar model with a new sound system and heated seats, it's still not the right car for you.

Once you're ready to get behind the wheel for your test drive, choose a route that allows you to experience different types of driving. The way a car handles on the highway will be different than how it drives in the city. Pay attention to anything that seems odd. Does the car rattle when you go over a bump? Are there any weird noises? These details will help you out in the next step.