Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.
I remember the first time I went looking for a car. I had just turned 16, and it was that time to look into getting a car. We did our RESEARCH in what to get. Because, I was just starting out, we went the used car route, and finally found the one for me. A 1991 Ford Escort for just 400 dollars, which, for a 16 year old, was a pretty big score! It got me from point A to point B!
But, during that search, and through other purchases over the years, I’ve learned a few things about Car Buying.
2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
- Research
The research is the MOST important part when purchasing a car. Knowing what kind of car you want for you, your family, and your personal needs. Does it seat all the kids comfortably? What is its Safety rating? Have there been any recalls on said vehicle? Or perhaps, how long will the engine last? Cars.Com is a great RESOURCE when looking up information about Cars.
2. It’s Time to Test Drive
This is the thing I recommend doing always when searching for a NEW car. Head to a dealership, and test drive a few vehicles that you are considering. Yes, the car dealerships may TRY their hardest to get you to purchase something that DAY, however, you don’t have to!
Use that time to Test Drive the vehicles, and get a feel of the cars. How do you feel in it? Are you comfortable backing up in the car? Is the car too big for you, or perhaps you feel too claustrophobic in the car. You get these answers by test driving!
3) Should You Buy New or Used?
Whatever you decide, no matter what, be happy with your decision! You just gained a new vehicle in the family. Congrats! But before you sign the dotted line on a new vehicle, it’s a good idea to do the research on used vehicles. You might find a better deal!
4) Budget
The other thing we tend to forget about is the monthly bill that also comes with a new car purchase. If purchasing a new car, more than likely, you’re being financed for 5 years, so that’s 5 years of payments! Are you committed to getting it done? Is it in your budget to do so? These things definitely need to be thought about before that BIG purchase (I mean, it is the 2nd BIGGEST purchase in our lives after a house!)
5) You Know When Its Right
The Car Buying process can be a long and tedious process, but in the end, it’s worth it, if you feel you made the BEST decision for you and your family. The key is to NEVER SETTLE. When you find the right car, you will know. It’s something we just always seem to know!
The next part is to just sit back and enjoy it… safely… of course
