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New car shopping isn't what it used to be. It can be a lot of fun, especially if you’re a car enthusiast. But others can find the experience stressful and or tedious. Either way, there’s a lot to think about. According to a survey of car shoppers, overall purchase price is the most important factor when shopping for a new car (46 percent), followed by make and model (31 percent).
Safety and performance come in a distant third, tied at seven percent. But whether you’re turned on or turned off by the dizzying array of car choices, trim options, incentives, consumer reviews, etc., it definitely pays to approach car buying strategically.
So if you’re in the market for a new vehicle and you find yourself having trouble keeping a clear head, just keep these strategies, courtesy of Hudson Valley Agents, in mind:
- Research crash tests and accident data available from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Shop around for financing. If you can, apply for and get approval for a loan from a bank, credit union or other financier before you even visit the dealership. Being a “cash buyer” gives you a huge advantage when you walk into a car dealership. A sales person and their manager would be very hard pressed to let you walk out of there knowing you already have the money ready to purchase their vehicle. It is the greatest form of leverage you can have when buying a new car.- Decide how much money you can spend and what type of vehicle best suits your needs. Just looking for the basic transport capability of a small or medium sedan? Or do you need the hauling capacity of a van or SUV? Something practical? Something sporty? Something in between?
- Test drive the car. Try to drive in conditions that will be similar to those under which you’ll drive every day.
- Check pricing for your desired make and model at two or three dealerships or on the internet, and use that information to help you negotiate the best deal. Get a firm quote, in writing. This should include not only the cost of the car, but any fees and the sales tax.
- Finally, it’s important to consider the cost of auto insurance, although it seems that few people realize that what they pay for insurance can add significantly to the vehicle’s total cost. Also remember this little saying: "if you can't afford the insurance, you can't afford the car."
Image via WikipediaWise car buyers know to shop around for insurance and find out how costs compare. They also know to visit an independent insurance agency like Hudson Valley Agents . They can check with several companies to find the best combination of coverage and price. Albany NY insurance buyers know that Hudson Valley Agents save their customers tens of thousands of dollars a year on their insurance needs.
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