Top 5 Car-Buying Essentials
Five Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying Your Next Car
Vehicle on its last leg? You’re ready to purchase something but you don’t know where to start? Car-buying is a major life event. After buying a home, it’s the second biggest purchase you’ll make. We understand that this process can be intimidating. Here are a few basic things to make sure you have in order before you buy.1.Budget: Start by determining what you can afford. Your perspective vehicle should be worked into your monthly budget so you have an idea of what’s realistic. Remember the costs associated with purchasing a vehicle include, but are not limited to: a down payment, a monthly loan or lease payment, fees for registration, title and tags, the cost for vehicle inspections and emissions testing, dealer fees, taxes, monthly insurance payment, etc.
2.New, Certified Pre-Owned, or Used: We know our choice, but you’ll have to decide for yourself if you want a New, Used or Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle. Research the risks and benefits associated with each type. The benefits of buying a new car are obvious. But even with the incentives and financing offers typical of new car dealers, it is still your most expensive option. Buying brand new may also not be the best investment, as new cars depreciate in value very quickly. Many people look to used cars as a much less expensive option. But the risks here are obvious too. Avoiding buying a “lemon” can be a challenge as there’s not much holding used dealers accountable. That’s why choosing Certified Pre-Owned over other used vehicles can offer many protections. At Krietz Auto, for example, our Certified Pre-Owned vehicles undergo a rigorous 125-point inspection and are sold with a vehicle service contract designed to ensure their quality for shoppers.
3.Financing: Before even entering a showroom, spend a little bit of time researching your financing options. Dealers will often coordinate financing for you. But you can also look into the bank or credit union you’d like to finance through and dealers like Krietz Auto for example, will work with your choice. One of the biggest things to be mindful of here is finding the lowest interest rates and setting up a financing schedule that will get your vehicle paid off quickly.
4.Narrow Down Your Choices to a few Cars: Focus your search and spend less time stressed out in a dealership parking lot. Before you head out the door, narrow down your choices to just a handful of make/models you’re most interested in. When you’re brainstorming your list, consider what vehicle features matter most to you. Are you a commuter looking for the lowest gas mileage? Are you a parent who needs plenty of seating for kids? Do you need to haul your bike or sporting equipment in the back of your vehicle? Figure out what matters most for you and your lifestyle. And keep in mind again, your budget.
5.Test Drive: A good dealer will recommend this, but always test drive your vehicle before you purchase. When you do a test drive, take your time and get the full driving experience. Play with vehicle controls, adjust the seats and make sure it’s a great fit!
Ready to make your next vehicle purchase? If you’re looking to buy a car in Frederick, Maryland, look no further than Krietz Auto! Find out more!
