Car Buying 101: What You Can Expect 

Did you know that the average price for a new car is more than forty-five thousand dollars? Even though it’s getting more and more expensive to buy a new car, there are many great reasons to invest in one. The problem is that it can be difficult to know what the car buying process looks like. 

Those who don’t understand what’s involved in buying a car are less likely to make the right purchase decisions. That’s why it’s so important to know about all of the important steps that you need to take. To help you out, we have written a guide. Read on if you want to find out more. 

1. Understand Your Shopping Style 

Since there is so much information on the internet related to the car buying process, it can be difficult to know what’s worth listening to. It’s also extremely common for people to make impulsive shopping decisions because they feel overwhelmed by all of the information that is out there. People who do this tend to buy vehicles that do not meet their needs. Their new cars tend to have too many or too few features. 

Before you even make a visit to your local dealership, decide what your car shopping style is. If you are a value shopper, you’ll want to find a great deal. At the same time, you should be prepared to pay a bit more for the car of your dreams if you need to. If you value safety, you’ll want to look for cars that have the highest possible safety ratings. And if you are a methodological shopper, you should not feel guilty for doing many hours of research to find the type of car that is right for you. You also might want to customize your car. 

2. Create a List of Options and Narrow it Down

Before you create a list of types of cars you are interested in buying, take some time to think about what you want to use your car for. Are there certain activities that you want to use your car for? For example, if you are a hunter, you probably will want to be able to drive your car into the mountains and off-road. This means that you’ll need a four-wheel drive vehicle. If you have children, you’ll want to purchase a car that is spacious enough for all of them. If you want your car to be stylish, you should consider models such as the 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV. 

Once you know what you want to use your car for, you’ll then be ready to identify the kinds of features that it should have. When doing this, take time to decide things like how many seats you’ll need, its size, its color, and its style. You can then start looking at reviews for certain models of cars. If you are having a tough time deciding between two different models, consider visiting websites that offer side-by-side comparisons. 

3. Know Your Price Points 

Since there will be many financing options available when you go to buy a car, it can be difficult to know what your budget is. This is why you should take time to figure out what you want to spend on your car before you begin the car buying process. 

When you are doing this, keep in mind that most experts recommend that consumers buy cars that cost no more than ten percent of the amount of their annual salary after taxes. You should also take fuel efficiency into account. If you buy an expensive car that has great fuel efficiency, you will end up saving a lot of money at the gas pump. 

4. Decide Whether or Not You Want to Trade In Your Current Vehicle 

If your current car is in good shape and your service records are impeccable, you might want to sell your current car on your own. But if your car isn’t in great shape, you should consider trading it in. Regardless of what you choose to do with your current car, make sure that you take the time to find out its value by using the Kelley Blue Book. 

Related: Trading vs. Selling: The Benefits of Trading in Your Car

5. Know the Value of the Car You Want to Buy 

Once you’ve found the perfect car to buy, you should figure out what its value is. You can do this by talking with experts and by doing research online. If you can’t get a fair price for this car, you should consider purchasing a similar model that is more affordable. 

6. Decide if You Want to Buy or Lease Your Car 

Since car prices have risen in recent years, there are more financing options available than there used to be. There are lots of dealerships that offer minimal down payments and low monthly payments. If you like to get a new car every couple of years, it might make sense to lease your car. But if you rarely purchase new cars, it might be a better idea to buy your new automobile. 

Learn More: Buying vs. Leasing a Car: Which is Right for You?

Begin Your Car Buying Process at Battleground Kia

If you’re ready to buy a new car, it is important to know what the car buying process looks like. Before visiting a dealership, take time to figure out what your shopping style is. You should then identify what features you want your new automobile to have. 

Once you are ready to start shopping for a new car, Battleground Kia will be your one-stop shop! Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions that you have. Use the button below or visit our website to connect with our team!