5 Tips for Buying a Car

If you’ve ever gone through the process of buying a car, then you know that it can be a bit overwhelming. To ensure that this process is as pain free as possible, we came up with some helpful  tips to keep in mind the next time you shop for a car.

1. Keep Your Budget In Mind​

Take notice of your financial status, do not overestimate what you can afford. Be realistic and factor in increased insurance prices and the price of fuel. A  rule of thumb: If you’re financing a car, your car payment should not be more than 20 percent of the money you take home per month. If you’re living on a tighter budget, it might even be a little less.

2. Choose Practically

Picking the right car for your lifestyle is very important! Consider your needs; what will you be using the car for on a daily basis? We suggest making a list of three or four cars that meet your needs and are in your budget.

3. Know Common Faults:

The Internet is full of information and testimonials regarding specific models. Once you have a potential car in mind, make sure you look at customer reviews and write down any questions you want to ask about.

4. Take a Great Test Drive

When taking the test drive, make sure to drive it out on the highway, and up at least one hill. Check for anything that bothers you. Does the engine sound okay? Test the brakes and listen for any strange squeaks or noises. Be picky, don’t settle!

5. Don’t Feel Pressured

No matter what, don’t feel pressured into buying a car if you don’t feel like it’s the best decision for you. We want what’s best for you, if you have to take some time to think on it- we encourage you to do so.

Buying a car, no matter if it’s new or used, is a huge investment. You want to make sure it’s the right one. We hope that these 5 tips will help you the next time you go car shopping!