It’s difficult to know where to begin when choosing a vehicle because there are so many models on the market and new options are being introduced all the time. Because it’s so perplexing, many people just buy the same model they currently have, ignoring new and improved options.
Others rely on recommendations from friends or purchase something that appeals to them due to its attractive design or smart marketing. There’s a far easier way to choose the right car – one that’s both practical and fun. Let’s take a look.
Determine What You Require
In life, there are needs and wants. To begin choosing a car, determine whether you actually need one. If you really require a car, you can move on to determining which type of vehicle you need. Make a list of your requirements on a piece of paper.
Usually, you’ll find there’s one specific thing for which you most require your car. Most people, for example, need a car to drive to work or pick up their children from school. Put the most important use at the top of your “needs” list, and treat the rest as “wants.”
Make a Financial Plan
Unless you have a lot of cash on hand, you’ll almost certainly need to take out a car loan. It’s a good idea to keep your total monthly vehicle costs to 20% or less of your take-home pay. These costs may include payment, insurance, gasoline, maintenance, repairs, and registration. Make use of a car loan calculator to see what purchase price would result in a monthly payment that is within your budget. Resist the temptation to extend your loan beyond five years just to get a bigger car.
Use a Vehicle Finder Tool
Many automotive websites provide tools for filtering your search by price, vehicle category, and even alternatives. After reading reviews from automotive professionals and owners, create a target list of five cars to explore. Even though you’re certain you know exactly what you want, it’s always a good idea to look at other options.
Because the market is so crowded these days, it’s easy to ignore a model that would be a better fit for your needs than your first choice. Avoid hurrying through this step in the process because you have to live with your new car for years.
Test Drive at Least Three Vehicles
Make a morning appointment with a dealership’s online department, preferably on a weekday when the lot is empty. Tell the manager that you’d like to schedule a test drive, but that you won’t be buying right away because you’re still weighing your options. Drive your three target cars back-to-back so that you can recall all of your experiences.
Decide Based on Your Research
Leave the dealership after your test drives. Return to the car finder and choose a new contender if you’re still uncertain. However, if your decision is final, you can proceed to the deal-making stage. Your feelings and intuition will influence your decision whether you realize it or not.
There’s nothing wrong with that; enjoy yourself. However, don’t let your emotions get the best of you. First, take care of the realistic aspects, and then let the fun begin. You’ll then have a vehicle that you enjoy driving and that meets your requirements.
