You are finally ready to buy a car with your finances in check, but you just can’t seem to decide what vehicle you need. Your decision will depend on many aspects, including your goals, preferences, budget, desired features, and so much more. The task can be overwhelming, but with the right guide, you will tackle it in no time.
Let’s choose a car together, step by step.
Think About Your Goals and Needs
Advertisements always show us a big SUV, but in reality, not everyone needs such a vehicle. If you want your car for practical and not aesthetic reasons, you should consider what functionalities you want it to have, such as:
- number of passengers;
- type of roads you will drive;
- the amount of fuel you need;
- sustainability;
- must-have features;
- safety;
- cargo capacity;
- size of the vehicle for parking.
Only when the car matches all your needs, can you continue choosing depending on its looks and non-essential features.
Set a Budget
Take a look at your savings and monthly paycheck, and think about how much you can spend on a car payment every month. Even if you are buying a used vehicle through a public car auction online and paying less, you should still consider setting aside a certain sum.
In general, around 10% of your monthly income should go towards a car lease or 15% towards a loan. Up to 7% will cover your fuel and other expenses, such as insurance, parking, and maintenance.
Decide on Leasing or Buying
Both leasing and buying a car have their good and bad sides. That is why this decision will be based on what you can afford and whether you want to own the vehicle forever. At first, rent will require almost no money, and will only require low monthly payments. Yet, you will have to pay for the car as long as you want to drive it.
Buying it is more expensive, and the monthly payments are higher. After paying off the loan, though, you will own the car. You can drive it for as long as you want and resell it at any time.
Consider All Cars
As a future car owner, you probably have an eye for a certain brand or type of car. That is normal, especially with the amount of advertising each buyer sees before making a purchase. It is important, however, that you consider all types of cars in your budget before making a serious investment.
Review and compare all the vehicles on Cars From West that suit your needs and budget before settling on one. You might miss a gem if you go for the most popular brand right away.
Compare the Ownership Costs
If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to your preferred car, think about the cost of owning it. That vehicle might deteriorate faster and need more maintenance along the way. Before buying one, count how much money you will spend on ownership costs for each model. This will aid you in making a smart decision down the road.
Look at the Car In Person and Go For a Test-Drive
Once you pick a few vehicles you like and can afford, find a place to evaluate them in person. You can go to a local dealership and try the options firsthand. Request a test drive, get the feeling of the car on the road, and check all the features and compartments.
It is recommended to test drive at least three vehicles back to back before you choose. Leave the dealership after that and take some time to think about your experience.
Pick the Car
After you test-drive a few cars, you should be able to tell which one suits you the best. It should be comfortable and make you feel confident.
In case you still don’t know, take your time choosing one. It is best to go back for another test drive instead of buying blindly. A car is something you will use all the time for years ahead, and you should be 100% sure of your pick.
It’s Time to Buy or Lease!
Even if you’ve done your research and don’t know if the car is perfect for you, do not worry. There are so many choices in the vehicle market that it’s purely a matter of your taste.
What’s important is that it suits your needs and budget. As soon as you are ready, it’s time to become a car buyer. Good luck and feel confident behind the wheel!
