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9 Tips to Improve Your Car-Buying Experience

9 Tips to Improve Your Car-Buying Experience 

Buying a vehicle can be exciting. It opens the door to independence, endless activities and the ability to accomplish all the little tasks of everyday life. If you take the time to find the right vehicle — whether it’s brand-new or simply new to you — you’ll have reliable transportation for years. A vehicle is a big investment, though, so it’s important to find the right car without demolishing your budget. Here are nine ways to improve your car-buying experience.

  1. Figure out how much car you can afford before you start looking. This prevents the heartache that can come from falling in love with a vehicle only to discover it’s out of your price range. If you don’t have any money set aside, try saving up for a down payment before shopping. Check the NADAguides for pricing of cars that pique your interest. Values are affected by the make and model, year, options, mileage and overall condition.
  1. Weigh buying new versus pre-owned. A shiny new car is more exciting than a used model, but it’s also more expensive. Look at your budget. An auto loan from a financial institution such as Harris County Federal Credit Union can make buying a reliable vehicle more doable. Make sure to consider such factors as fuel economy and insurance when figuring out the cost to own the car or truck you have in mind.
  1. Make sure what you buy fits your needs. To find the right ride, think about how you’ll probably use it. Who’ll be the primary driver? If ownership is to be shared, choose a model that’s comfortable for everyone. Expecting to take a lot of road trips? Find a car with lower mileage to lessen the frequency of breakdowns and repairs.
  1. Choose a vehicle that balances comfort and safety. Factor in how many passengers you’ll have on a regular basis. If you have kids, look for a vehicle where passenger space and air bag structure are practical for child safety seats.
  1. Buy from a reputable seller. Get references from friends and family. Be careful about buying from an individual, and make sure a used vehicle is mechanically sound. If you don’t know your way around an engine, bring along a friend or relative who does, or ask to have a mechanic look over the car. Never buy a car without a title.
  1. Be prepared to negotiate the price. Do your homework, and never pay the sticker price. Each vehicle costs the dealer the invoice price minus any sales incentives. The company needs to make at least some profit to stay in business, but you can avoid overpaying by being an educated consumer. Rather than just pay the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, or MSRP, work within the NADAguides’ suggested value range. If you can’t reach an agreement on a particular vehicle, find something else.
  1. Go for a test drive. Part of the fun of getting a new ride is the test drive. Don’t make a purchase without one. Bring a friend if it makes you more comfortable. The owner or salesperson may wish to come along to offer hints, tips and even supervision. Make sure you have your driver’s license with you.
  1. Keep in mind the extra costs associated with buying a car. These can include title transfer fees, license plate tags and registration fees, sales and use taxes, smog check fees and auto inspection fees.
  1. Walk away from the deal if you’re uncomfortable with the car, the seller or the price. Getting it home probably won’t make you feel any better about it.

A new car is more enjoyable when it really suits your needs. Take your time to find the right one, and you’ll enjoy driving it for years.

MJ Knoblock, NerdWallet