Buying a new car feels like embarking on a wild adventure, a tantalizing mix of excitement and sheer terror. Remember when you were a kid, and the ice cream truck rolled into your street? That's you right now, my friend, in the 2024 car market, surrounded by bright shiny objects, and you have to choose just one! The first step in this process is to recognize and chase that dream without needing a degree in rocket science (because you've already got that fancy university degree, right?). It's about practicality, joy, and a wee bit of common sense.
Right off the bat, let's talk about setting a budget. It's like deciding how many scoops of ice cream you can get without causing your wallet to weep bitterly. Seriously, nothing’s worse than falling in love with a car that makes your bank account cry like a baby. Ah, the days when I was a starry-eyed student, congratulating myself when I managed to buy dinner and a hot chocolate in the same day...
Next, it's critical to get familiar with the car’s features and their importance instead of getting bamboozled by salespeople. Ever been on a date where the other person talks about complex subjects just to impress you? Newsflash: you just want some compatibility, not a conference on quantum mechanics. This is much like car features. Our Feature Overview can help, as knowing what you need vs. what’s fluff can save you a lot of confusion and cash.
Don't forget about the exhilarating test drive. You wouldn’t buy shoes without trying them on, would you? Well, treat your potential new car the same way. Driving that beauty around gives you a sneak peek into whether this is the vehicle you'll grow to love or the ex you'll dramatically break up with down the line. Jump to Test Drive Tips for more pointers on this essential step.
Research is equally important; knowing the car’s background gives you an advantage, like a private eye snooping on your behalf. Check reviews, compare prices, and maybe even stalk a few dealerships' social media accounts for extra deals. (No, it’s not creepy; it’s savvy!) Dive into our Research section for a crash course on becoming a sleuth.
And let's not forget the oh-so-charming art of negotiation. Some find it intimidating, like bartering beans in a beanstalk world, but with the right tactics, you could score a deal that feels like you just won the lottery (without those pesky taxes).
In this journey of buying a new car, think of yourself as a protagonist in a story, weaving through each chapter with wisdom, wit, and a spoonful of fun. Buckle up and prepare for the ride—it’s going to be one heck of an adventure!
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10. Engine Check
I am sure you know to check the new engine to see if it's running correctly, but you might want to check a few things to make sure it's a brand new engine. It's very simple to roll back a engines miles and make it look brand new. All cars or trucks that are new will have some miles from getting on the trailers or small test drives. You can see if the engine is good by pressing the pedal in park. If you hear a good sounding engine, then its fine. Also, check to see what color the oil is to see if it's clear and not overused.
9. Carfax
Always look over a carfax to see if the vehicle has been owned by someone else. You will be surprised with the stories I heard with new cars having new engines from recent blow engines. You might think it's new, but there is a lot that can go wrong with a few miles. When people test drive vehicles some do wreck and need new parts. This will come up in the carfax. By law they have to give you a carfax of the vehicle, depending on the state of course.
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8. Choose the Right Model
It's hard to choose what new car you want, because there is a lot of competition with newer vehicles. Gas prices are going up every day and might never go down. You might consider a low gas mileage car, like a hybrid. For those that like fast and higher type engines, you might consider a sports car. There are pro's and con's to each type of car or truck and to find out which one is for you. Search Google online to find out what is best for you.
7. Inspect the Vehicle before Buying
Many people think that the car is new it won't have problems. You could be wrong, because most dealerships hide small details or large details that could lower the price of the car. I know someone that just bought a new car and found it had oil in the water. This later had to be fixed and cost them more, because they did not get a warranty. You should always bring a checklist to see if everything is working well.
6. Make Sure You Have a Factory Warranty and Car Dealership Warranty
When you buy a new car, you will find yourself getting a factory warranty on the transmission and sometimes on the motor. You can purchase an extended warranty that last longer than the factory guarantee and it's highly recommended. If the dealership gives a warranty, you have to pay a little extra. They go by a certain set mileage like the factory warranty. If you're purchasing a heavy-duty vehicle such as an RV, it's crucial to understand how to handle RV warranty claims effectively. Familiarize yourself with the warranty terms and procedures to ensure you're well-prepared to address any issues that may arise.
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5. Choose a Hybrid for Tax Reasons
If you want to make more off your tax return, you should get a hybrid. They have a tax credit directly for those that have hybrids. This can help you gain more money off your tax return.
4. Size of the Engine
The bigger the Engine the more gas it will take. However, for people that like sports or trucks, they don't care about the extra gas being spent. If you get a 4 cylinder car, you might consider getting a warranty on some parts in the motor or for the total motor. They don't last as long as the 6 cylinder or 8 cylinder.
3. Family or Sport?
When it comes to a family, you need to consider getting a roomy car or SUVs. With a Suv there will be bigger engine and more gas used, but you won't have to worry about room. You can also get a good-sized car with four doors. To find the best suitable sized car, you can search for recommended family cars online.
2. Safety Features
It's very important for all that drives on the road is driving a safe vehicle. When you go to buy a new car, try to look and see the safety rating. Try considering a five star rating vehicle in safety. You also should consider getting a car that has Onstar. They can make a call when you get into a wreck or get lost.
1. Find the Right Dealership
This is going to be my number one tip, because when it comes to choosing a new vehicle it's important to buy your car from a good dealership that you can trust. You might consider looking the company up online and seeing online reviews. You can look into consumer reports with car dealerships and see if their tricky. Choose your best judgment and go with the one that has better selection and customer satisfaction.
I hope this block gave you some tips to buying a new vehicle and what you should look out for when buying new from a car dealership. Car dealerships go to school to learn tricks to selling cars and you should be aware that they will do anything to get you to buy from them. You know they want to be paid too. Are you going to buy a new vehicle?
