If you're happy with your car, you might rarely think about having to buy a new one. After all, you likely expect to get several years' worth of use out of what you're driving. However, things can change in an instant. A car accident in which you write off the vehicle or a costly problem that isn't worth fixing can have you needing to buy a vehicle promptly, which can be a little stressful if you're rushing to do so. Even if you're happy with your current car, here are a few things that are important to do.
Make A List Of What You Like And Don't Like
Think about your vehicle and its features. While you might like your vehicle overall, there could be some things that you aren't fond about. Trying to evaluate dozens of car features when you're in a rush to buy can feel a little overwhelming, so it's better to think about the features you like and don't like, and then make a list. For example, you might like that your steering wheel has multiple controls for the radio and other functions, but not like that your truck space is limited. This way, when it comes time to shop for a car, you'll be able to clearly keep these details in mind.
Research Potential Vehicle Models
Few things can be as challenging as suddenly needing to buy a vehicle but having no idea what you want to buy. As you drive around in your current car, it's worthwhile to look at different vehicles on the road to assess which ones look like. Additionally, you can also talk to family members and friends about how they like their vehicles. Once you get some recommendations, such as an Audi a3 sedan, you can look these vehicles up to determine if they're within your price range. If so, you'll have a few potential makes and models to consider when it comes time to buy.
Set Some Money Aside
It's always a good idea to set some money aside for an unexpected future purchase — in this case, a vehicle. You don't need to try to save up the price of a vehicle in cash. Even having a few thousand dollars saved that you can put toward a down payment will reduce any financial stress you might otherwise experience when it comes time to buy a car. One approach is to set aside a regular goal to help you save. For example, you might wish to save $25 a week in a separate account.
Share12 May 2017
After going to my first auto auction, I became very interested in how dealers select the cars they're going to put on their lots. I spent a lot of time talking with local dealers, auction regulars, and others in the industry to learn the behind-the-scenes secrets to picking out the perfect auction cars and getting them lot-ready. I created this site to help others understand what goes into the process in the hopes that it would help car buyers understand what they're looking at when they hit the car lot. I hope the information here helps you better prepare for buying your next car.