Buying a car is huge milestone, but it’s an even bigger investment. Investing in the right car can save you money and give you peace of mind, UNLESS you happen to come across a greedy car salesmen who’s priority is not in your best intentions.
For female entrepreneur Ruby Davis, this scenario was one she was way too familiar with. After her own intimidating experiences by pushy car salesmen she self-funded ChickDriven.com.
Committed to offering a car buying service where women can trust and feel comfortable, Davis’ new website is a game changer for women everywhere.
Ruby has written the following article for AmLo Farms giving us some tips and ideas for when we get ready to purchase our next vehicle.
Car buying tips:
When buying a new car, it is very easy for emotion to take over logic. However, a car should be a well thought out and rational choice. So how do you settle for the one that is right for you when there is so much choice out there?
Decide what kind of car do you need.
There are many different options available to suit your exact needs. First – decide what body style you want.
Convertible, SUV, luxury car, sport car, hybrid/electric car etc…
Take into consideration how many passengers you need to carry. If you often find yourself being the designated driver a convertible may not be the best choice for you because they generally have 2 doors and cramped back seats. If you have a long commute to and from work, make sure you choose a car that is fuel efficient. It may be worth your while looking into hybrid cars such as the Toyota Prius.
Decide what safety features are important to you, and always remember your car is responsible for transporting you and your loved ones. Safety features can save your life. How much garage or parking space do you have? I personally made this error. I moved into a new apartment in a new city and the first thing I did was rush out and buy myself a brand new BMW. Once I got the car home, I then realized the car didn’t fit in the designated parking space. Rookie error!
Set your Budget
Unless you are in a position where you can pay cash for your car, you have to think about financing your purchase or lease. So how much can you really afford in payments? I recommend no more than 20 percent of your monthly take home pay. While it may be tempting to spend a little bit more to get a nicer car, you would be better to put that extra cash in a savings account.
Compare Leasing and Buying
Leasing and buying both have negative and positive points. Generally, a lease requires very little down payment and offers lower monthly payments. However, when the lease ends you are left with no car and have to start all over again.
On the other hand, buying a car is more expensive initially and the monthly payments are higher. But when you pay off that loan – you still own the car.
Insurance
Before you decide on the car you want to purchase, check how much insurance is going to cost and compare it to some other car models. Sure, your dream car may be the Fiat Abarth however, insurance on the Fiat 500 may be cheaper.
Get 3 Quotes
Yes. It might take more time, but it gives you the power to know what price you should be paying and avoids you paying more than you should.
Negotiate
Even though there isn’t much room for negotiation on a lot of cars, if you don’t ask you don’t receive. Never be scared to ask for a better deal.
Don’t Rush
Walk away and sleep on it. The salesperson may tell you if you don’t buy the car right then and there the price will go up or they might tell you someone else might purchase the car. While this may be true, it is better to consider all aspects of the car instead of rushing into something you didn’t really want or can’t afford.
Don’t fall into the up-sell trap
Just because the salesperson tells you to get a more expensive car doesn’t mean you should. Salespeople are trained to get as much out of a sale as possible. If you don’t want extras, don’t be scared to say no.
Buying a new car can be a difficult process, but you can do it! Just remember to take a deep breath and take your time. It is never a good idea to buy a car the day you start looking, so take your time and don’t be afraid to walk away.
See more tips, ideas and reviews at ChickDriven.com.
Something that I think is a good idea to buy a car that is a couple of years old. Often times, this creates more room in you budget for a luxurious car rather than a new, average one. That way you can get all of the great things that you are looking for in a car while still sticking to the budget that you talked about. Do you have any tips for this specific choice?