Since vehicles are among the most expensive purchases many of us will ever make, every car-buying opportunity should be approached as carefully as possible. After all, buyer’s remorse hits particularly hard when the purchase in question costs tens of thousands of dollars. So, the next time you find yourself in the market for a new vehicle, take the time to consider what you’re truly looking for in your next car. To help yourself form a clear picture of your ideal vehicle, take care to ponder the following questions.
“Am I Open to Buying Used?”
It’s easy to see why so many consumers refuse to purchase pre-owned vehicles. For many people, the idea of buying a car that has years of use under its belt seems like a risky venture. Additionally, given the way pre-owned vehicles are often portrayed in popular media, there’s little wonder as to why people tend to regard them as unwise investments. However, the reality of the situation is that many used cars will more than meet your driving needs.
While it’s true that some used cars leave a lot to be desired, a certified pre-owned vehicle is liable to provide you with many years of dependable use. Furthermore, since used vehicles tend to cost significantly less than their brand-new counterparts, buying used will leave a much smaller hole in your finances. Being open to buying used is also likely to dramatically expand the list of in-vehicle amenities you’re able to afford.
“Are Any Warranties Included with the Vehicle?”
When you buy a car, you’re making a large investment – and it’s only natural that you’d seek to protect that investment. So, when exploring your options, it’s worth considering what types of warranties are included with your top picks. Most new vehicles come with limited parts and service warranties that cover a specific amount of mileage and/or a specific period of time. For an additional cost, you can also purchase an extended warranty, although depending on the vehicle, this may not be the best use of your money.
Brand-new vehicles aren’t the only cars that come with warranties. Many certified pre-owned cars come with similar warranties to their fresh-out-of-the-factory contemporaries. However, it should be noted that these warranties tend to cover shorter time-frames and lower amounts of mileage.
“What Level of Fuel-Efficiency Am I Looking For?”
Cars don’t stop costing you money after you’ve left the dealership. In addition to monthly payments, auto insurance and assorted maintenance expenses, you’ll need to pay for fuel on a regular basis. While the frequency of tank fill-ups varies depending on how much driving you do and the type of driving you do, it can’t be denied that some cars are more fuel-efficient than others. So, if you intend to do a fair amount of driving, make a point of taking a vehicle’s fuel-efficiency into account when making your decision.
Alternatively, with electric cars becoming more widely available, anyone looking to ditch fossil fuels altogether should give serious consideration to going the electric route. Anyone on the hunt for an affordable, compact electric vehicle is encouraged to check out the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV.
“Should I Take Out a Loan or Pay Off the Vehicle All at Once?”
When it comes to paying for a vehicle, many of us have no choice but to take out an auto loan. Furthermore, even people who do have enough money to immediately pay off a car tend to go the loan route. While not wanting to part ways with an enormous sum of money in one go is certainly understandable, doing so can ultimately save you money in the long run. Paying off a vehicle all at once can not only save you the burden of paying loan interest, it also stands to earn you special discounts from various dealerships.
Buyer’s remorse is the absolute last thing you want to feel after purchasing a new vehicle. As such, it’s imperative that you put proper thought into every automobile purchase you make. With tens of thousands of dollars at stake, it’s only natural that you’d want to do some research, ask a plethora of questions and try your hand at haggling. So, the next time you find yourself in need of a new car, remember to ask yourself the questions discussed above.
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