So you are attempting to find a new car.
You have gone online and checked best selling model of the year. You’ve browsed the classified advertisements for cars for sale near you. And you have made plans to say goodbye to your current bike, perhaps with a whimsical twist here and there to make it look appealing to buyers.
You are good to go, right?
Well, wait. There are some things you should never do when buying your next car, and in this article, we’ll list a few of them.
#1: Don’t forget about your credit score
Some car dealers will use a person’s poor credit to their advantage and increase the interest on the finance deal. Banks will do the same if you go to them for a loan. On the other hand, dealers and banks may refuse you a loan altogether if you have a poor credit score, so you may not have the ability to get the car you are attempting to find.
So, our advice is this. Check your credit score online before starting your car buying journey, and if it isn’t pretty much as good as it should be, do what you can. improve your credit score. You’ll then reduce your chances of getting interest rates you cannot afford, and you will not suffer the indignity of being refused a loan.
#2: Don’t forget about your practical needs
A car should be practical for your needs, so before you get tempted to buy something based solely on looks, consider your lifestyle and that of the people you live with.
If you have a large family, for example, you need something with room to accommodate everybody, from the youngest to the oldest. You need something with baggage space to store everybody’s stuff, too.
If you plan to use your car off-road, you do not want to spend a fortune on a luxury car that does not have the traction to manage anything aside from asphalt. Ford pickups in Riley Ford Inc will better suit your needs.
And if you live on a budget, you most likely do not want something that uses up fuel faster than it takes to top it up. You’re only going to end up spending quite a lot of money in the long run, even if you get a decent financing deal at the start.
In short, think before you buy. Car dealers will try to convince you to part with your money, but if you buy something that is not right for you, you’ll be wasting your money.
#3: Don’t rush into a test drive
You’ll most likely understand the importance of a test drive, because you will likely only end up with a car that a) does not meet your comfort needs, or b) is a heap of junk, if you neglect any of these aspects of car buying. process.
However, when you do a test drive, take your time. Don’t let the dealer pressure you into taking shorter trips, as they may try to hide something about the car. Test the car for so long as you can, and try it at different speeds and in numerous environments. When you take the time, you’ll find out if it is actually right for you. And you will even have more time to check for errors that you might not notice after an hour or two of driving.
Look at this driving test tips to learn more.
#4: Don’t depend on your limited car knowledge
If you are a qualified auto mechanic and passionate car enthusiast, you most likely know all you need to know with regards to inspecting a car before you buy. But if you are like most people, and know very little about what makes a car tick, then you should look to others for support.
When you have found a car you like, have a trusted mechanic check it out for you. Yes, you may must pay them for the privilege, but it is better than driving in something that dies 30 minutes later. You may additionally want them to go on a test drive with you, as they will bear in mind of any sound and odor problems that may indicate car fault.
Just a warning here too. Even although the dealership may tell you that the car has been inspected by its own mechanic, still go ahead and choose your own car. This is because some dealers may lie to you, because they have not really inspected the car, or because their own mechanic is involved in a potential scam.
#5: Don’t assume you can afford a car
You may find a car at an inexpensive price. Wow! However, don’t rush to sign on the dotted line. The purchase price may be attractive, but you should then weigh it hidden car costs. We’ve already mentioned fuel costs, but there are other things to add to the equation as well. How much does it cost to insure? What will you pay in interest? How many safety features need to be added to the vehicle? Can you buy an extended warranty (optional)?
These are just a few of the costs you’ll need to consider, and they’ll be on top of the posted price. Do the math beforehand so you have a better idea of what you can realistically afford.
#6: Don’t buy the first car you like
You may be tempted to buy the first car you like, but what if you see an identical model for less money elsewhere? What if it turns out that the car in question is found to have expensive maintenance problems? You’re only going to regret your decision to buy if you later come across something that quenches your excitement, so commit to some research. Explore diverse dealers. Find car prices online. And find out about the common faults that certain models tend to have. By doing your homework, you’ll be in a more informed position.
Be careful, and avoid all the mistakes we have listed here.
