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A car is a big investment and something to think about carefully. Here are some tips to help you along the way and assist you in making this difficult purchasing decision.
Question your intentions
The main question you need to ask yourself is, “do you really need a brand-new car”? Once you’ve established your needs you may find a used car will work for you equally well. New cars lose considerable value from the moment you drive out of the showroom, and continue to do so over the first few years of their life span so do your research, and lots of it!
Do your homework
There is a wealth of information on the web. It can be overwhelming so we suggest reading articles that cover the basics first before delving into more complicated information with jargon and confusing specs. Get the basics right first and you will be well on your way to making an informed decision.
Space, space, space
Do you need a large boot? Are you a family person? Do you transport a lot of people? Do you hardly use your car except for short trips? These are some of the questions to ask considering the space you need. You don’t want to land up buying a car with too little space for your needs or a car that is far too large.
Take a good look at your lifestyle and what you do most. If you have a large family and take children to and from school you want a practical car that can handle heavy use. This means the car seats must come with durable material. If you’re a young business executive you may have different needs and may want something less practical and more luxurious. Consider your options carefully.
Negotiate!
If you’re new to the car buying business don’t forget to negotiate with the salesperson. You don’t need to be unfriendly while doing this but do try to be firm. Keep a positive attitude and let them chase you. Don’t be too desperate and walk away from a deal if you are unsure or not happy with it.
Test drive it
There are many pointers when it comes to test driving a vehicle. One of the most important things to consider is whether the car will fit in its designated space. Make sure, doubly sure, that your car will fit in the garage or wherever it will be parked. If you regularly frequent a parking garage at work make sure your car will fit in there too. You don’t want to purchase a car only to find out it doesn’t fit!
Remember you need to find a car that suits you. So, play around with the position of the driver’s seat and mirrors to see if is a comfortable fit for you. Taller people will need extra leg room and height in the body of the car while shorter people need to be able to reach the pedals easily and see over the dashboard. Check this out while you test drive the car and if uncomfortable move onto the next one!
Consider the 10-year rule
When purchasing a new car keep in mind the 10-year rule. This means your car should be useful to you for at least 10 years. It may sound like a long time but cars depreciate a lot and are not really an asset. By considering how long your car is going to last you will help yourself to make a good choice that fits your lifestyle and needs. You may think of starting a family in the future or may be going into retirement. Consider the life phase in which you find yourself to make the final decision.
When you buy, counts
There are certain times that are better to buy a car than others. Do your research on this too! Check out also used car dealers in San Diego for a wide array to choose from in the area.
Don’t forget the insurance
Shop around at different car insurance companies to see where you can get the best deal for your new purchase. Insurance may be quite costly for brand new models so find this out before purchasing the car.
All the best with purchasing your new car and many happy miles ahead!
