Are you about to buy a new car? Do you have the new car jitters? Buying a new car is a huge commitment, and it’s common to have buyer’s anxiety because of the long-term commitment you’ll be making. If you’re buying something as essential as a vehicle, you need to be sure you consider both your wants and your needs. Focus on your needs first, and then you can select a vehicle from a narrowed down list that suits your needs and still satisfies all of your wants. Here are 5 things to keep in mind so that you feel as comfortable as possible with the purchase that you make.
Create a Budget and Figure Out How Much You Can Afford
One of the major reasons why you get nervous to buy a new car is because you are afraid that you’ll make a purchase that will break the bank. Being realistic and setting a practical budget before you go to your local lot will make you feel comfortable when you’re making a purchase. Consider your current income, take possible fluctuations into account, and never go over 20% of your monthly take-home pay when you’re leasing or financing a car.
Factor in All of the Costs of Ownership
Once you set a maximum on the purchase or lease price, you need to factor in all of the costs of ownership so that you are prepared to pay to fixed and variable costs associated with buying a new car. Quote the cost of auto insurance on the vehicle you are interested in, price the cost of registration, consider the cost of taxes, and don’t overlook maintenance and gas. A True Cost to Own calculator can help you feel more comfortable.
Read Honest Consumer Reviews
You need to take time to learn about complaints and defects that could affect your purchasing decision. Be sure that you set aside time to read consumer reviews of the models you have really wanted to purchase, and this will help you eliminate poor performers from the list. Narrowing down your list to reliable cars will make you feel much more comfortable.
Test-Drive the Car the Right Way
Once you have a list of cars that perform well and get great reviews, you need to test drive the car the right way. Test drives should be conducted in the way that you would use the car if you owned it. If you want to test drive a GMC Acadia, Kansas City dealers can help you set up a test drive appointment. Drive your commute in stop-and-go traffic, drive up mountains, drive on steep hills, and see if the car is comfortable, reliable, and just right for the family.
Sleep on It Overnight
If you find a great car at the dealership, you might be ready to buy immediately. It’s a proven fact that you’ll feel much more at ease with your decision if you sleep on it overnight. In the morning, if you’re still absolutely sure you want to buy, you can proceed and make a good choice.
Create a checklist of your needs and then a separate want of your wants. After you find a car that meets all of your needs, you can move on to the wants checklist and choose the most practical option. Be realistic, responsible, and resourceful, and get past the new car jitters.
