I’ve talked about buying cars enough for everyone to be able to pick out exactly what they want and head to the dealership. You’ve been here for a while, so you know how this works. However, did you know that there are some very important things you should know before you buy a car?
I wanted to make sure that I posted some questions to ask yourself before you sign those papers. These questions can help you make the right decision for you, for your family and for your budget. So check out these top questions I’ve picked and think about it before buying a car.
What’s your budget for a car?
This is one of the first questions you should ask. Creating a budget helps make sure you can afford the payments on the car, no matter what you buy. It makes sense to also include any possible car insurance increase and the increase (or decrease) in the amount of gas you may be using. Know what you can afford before buying.
What’s your current family situation?
This is important because you want to make sure the car you purchase will serve you and your family well. For instance, we have already decided on an SUV for our next purchase as we’ll have tall children who need more space in the back. We’re running out of back seat space in my car already.
Do you want to buy new or used?
This is a personal decision. This could also affect your budget. The lower your budget, the more car you can get by buying used. However, your interest rate will be higher on a used car.
How important are the safety ratings to you?
This might be combined with the family question. If you will only be driving yourself, this might not be a concern. However, I think about the safety rating in every purchase as I have 3 children who count on my driving and the safety of the car.
How much tech would you like to carry over to the car?
These days, some of the technology is already included in the car. Such as the backup camera being mandatory in all new cars built May 2018 and newer. However, do your research if you prefer to have Apple Car Play in your car because not all cars have the option.
Is this the right time to buy?
Make sure this is the right time to buy before heading out to the dealership. Only you know your financial situation and know whether or not it is a great idea to make the purchase.
