The start of the school year is fast approaching. For some students, this will be the time to acquire a first car or just a new car.
Before going through the classifieds sites or going around the dealerships, take note of these few tips that Auto Hebdo offers .Set
yourself a budget
Before starting your steps, establish your budget. This is essential, because while shopping, you will see a ton of vehicles that will make your mouth water, but that you will not be able to afford.
Remember that in addition to the cost of the vehicle itself, you have to add the purchase tax, registration, insurance, fuel and maintenance.
List your priorities
What do you absolutely need? List them. If fuel economy is important to you, put it at the top of your list. Do the same if you’re worried about getting stuck in a snow bank and all-wheel drive is absolutely necessary. If you don’t want a manual transmission, this should also be listed. If you are for driving mainly in the city, maybe you should prioritize a small car.
Inquire
Before going to a dealership or to an individual who sells his own car, find out about the coveted model. Read road tests and testimonials from owners. Thus, you will know the points as well as the weaknesses of the vehicle.
Don’t hesitate to ask a friend or relative who knows the car well to come with you. A second pair of eyes doesn’t hurt.
New or used?
Do you want a new or used vehicle? If you don’t have a large amount of money in your bank account to spend on a car, but are ready to devote a portion of your monthly income over the next few years to car payments, you may want to consider purchasing a new vehicle.
If you have a few thousand dollars at your disposal, buying a used vehicle can be a good idea. This way, you avoid monthly payments. However, you will need to budget for maintenance and repairs.
Don’t forget that there is also vehicle rental.
Avoid the traps
There are many pitfalls. See them coming and avoid them. If you’re setting your sights on a new car, pay attention to the endless options. Yes, the heated steering wheel, leather seats, 20-inch rims and sunroof, it’s beautiful. But that drastically increases the bill.
On the other hand, you will have peace of mind for a while thanks to the guarantee. That being said, by choosing a new car, you risk benefiting from a much more attractive interest rate than in the case of a used car.
If you choose to get into the second-hand market, contact your financial institution. It is not uncommon for its interest rate to be lower than that offered by traders.
It can also be tempting to buy a used luxury vehicle rather than an “ordinary” and new car. However, it is imperative to know that the maintenance costs of so-called luxury vehicles are much higher.
That’s not all. Do not let yourself be charmed by a crush. This purchase will be one of the most important of your life so far. Don’t make a decision on a whim.