There are actually four areas to consider when buying a car. You must determine:
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The vehicle you need (versus the one you want)
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The value of the vehicle (what it is worth)
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Financial considerations for the purchase (how you will pay for it)
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and the mechanical integrity of the car (it is mechanically sound)
Of course, there are some differences. between each make and model, but we’ll cover the general outline of the topics as a bulleted checklist.
Car Buying Checklist: Determining the Right Vehicle for You
When you buy a car, there are beautiful things and essential things. It is up to you to decide which is which. If you live in a temperate climate, you may decide that air conditioning is nice. On the other hand, if you live in Dallas, Texas, or Gwinn, Michigan, air conditioning and heating may be more necessary for the summer or winter months, respectively.
Similarly, if you often do business from your car or taking the kids on long road trips, you may find built-in Internet service a must. If, on the other hand, everyone in the family has their own internet-enabled phone or tablet, an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot would be unnecessary.
• Create your perfect car. Do your homework and visit the automaker’s website to see the features available on different makes and models. Make a list of what you want in a vehicle. The vehicle you ultimately purchase may not have all of the nice-to have. But you must have all need-to have. If you make a list, you can find the one that best suits your preferences.
• Determine what is worth. There are several sites to determine the value. Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book are popular sites for evaluating a vehicle’s value based on its features and condition. If you have a trade-in vehicle, be sure to determine the value of your existing vehicle as well, because it will be part of the deal.
• Determine what you can afford. If you plan to pay cash, the decision is easy. However, if you plan to finance your purchase, your credit score directly affects the interest rate on your loan. Credit scores below 690 generally incur higher rates. Remember, the cost of the car is not its sticker price minus any trade-in value and incentives. Includes interest paid in financing any loan. Financial education sources like The Financial Acumen Course teach how to improve your credit score to save money. It’s up to you to protect your credit and avoid being exploited by predatory lenders, so shop around. Don’t overextend your credit by buying more cars than you can afford.
• Inspect the vehicle before you buy it. You want to buy a reliable vehicle, not a maintenance headache. Any purchase of a used vehicle is a situation in which the buyer must be careful, even if it is made through a reputable dealer. If you have a mechanic, expect to pay $100-$200 for a complete vehicle inspection. If you don’t have a mechanic, there are a couple of stopgap alternatives. You could take the vehicle to a third-party repair shop that performs state inspections as a cheaper option. However, if you feel comfortable and knowledgeable doing so, you can inspect the vehicle yourself. Among other things like the brakes, muffler and suspension, Check the oil. You can tell a lot about the condition of the engine by looking at the condition of the vehicle’s oil.
Doing a self-inspection on a vehicle takes a bit of time. It’s a dirty job, but if you’re familiar with cars, it’s your cheapest option. A pre-purchase inspection is a must both for your peace of mind and to reduce hidden repair costs.
Once you have found the most suitable vehicle, Made sure you had the means to pay for it and checked its mechanical integrity, you’re ready to move on with your new set of wheels.