This is a sponsored post, though all opinions are 100% mine.
Buying a car can be exciting and scary at the same time. There are so many great options, but it takes some time and research to find the best one for you.
I’ve owned small sedans and now own a nice spacious family van. I’ve had good experiences with Toyota vehicles, but there are other very reliable and attractive vehicles out there. How do you select one that fits your needs and budget?
Here are tips to help you buy a car that you’ll love and get the best price.
- Research. Think about what you need. Do you need something that’s gas efficient for long commutes, or is space for a growing family your priority? And then, which ones are the most reliable? What do family and friends recommend? Would a new car or a used one be better for you? Buy or lease? Cars.com has a lot of helpful information to help you decide. They even have a “Research” section to help you compare cars and prices.
- Determine what you can afford. How much can you comfortably pay for a car each month? Keep in mind the costs of insurance, gas and maintenance, which all are affected by what type of car you buy. And typically, a used, reliable car with a good history will often be a better deal than a brand new car with all the latest bells and whistles.
- Compare financing. Of course, it’s best to pay for a car with cash if you can. But if you need to borrow, shop around. Check with your bank, search online, and consider credit unions. I’ve always found the lowest rates with our credit union. Dealerships offer low rates for financing but they often use that to make you think you’re getting a great deal but then you actually pay more for the car itself. I prefer to get a loan before shopping so that the loan doesn’t affect the final price.
- Start shopping! I typically start online to see what’s out there, compare prices, and find vehicles to try out. I recommend test driving several vehicles before making a decision.
- Be patient. Don’t rush into a deal because you fell in love with a car (better yet, don’t fall in love with a car!). There are many great cars at great prices out there and more will always come along. Focus on getting the best price on a car that meets your needs.
How do you save money when buying a car?