Your beloved clunker you’ve had since college has finally died. Your family has outgrown the two-door coupe you’ve been driving for years. You’re tired of needing a second job just to afford fuel in your gas guzzler.
Pick an issue, any issue, but you’re ready to buy a new car.
Good for you! Before you run out and buy the first brand-new, bright red, sporty thing that catches your eye, slow down. There are plenty of mistakes people make when they buy a car that costs them time and money. Avoiding them will help you find the right vehicle that you love and can afford.
BUYING ON THE SPUR OF THE MOMENT
Having a vague idea of what you’re looking for and then stopping at the first dealership with the nicest looking car has a less than good chance of working out in your favor. Before you buy, do your homework. Research possible vehicles, their prices, and their safety ratings. Know your budget and how much you can afford. Read reviews about the dealership and see what other people’s experiences have been.
SKIPPING THE TEST DRIVE
Loving the look of a vehicle is a far cry from loving how it handles on the road. Driving away after you’ve paid for it isn’t a good time to discover that it’s too loud, too bumpy, or too uncomfortable. Always take a test drive, and if you don’t like the ride, try something else.
SHOPPING IN ONE PLACE
Stopping your search at the first dealership you visit may be a mistake. Unless you’re very particular about the car you want, it pays to shop around. Other vehicles may have better features or be more comfortable to drive. One dealership may offer a better incentive than the next. Look around before you commit to a vehicle and where you want to buy it.
BUYING ALL THE EXTRAS
We aren’t referring to the sunroof or the technology and navigation package. If you want them and can get them, go for it. No, the “extras” we’re talking about happen when you finally make it back to the finance office to finalize your purchase. This is where you’ll be offered additional warranties, GAP insurance, and other extras. GAP insurance is a great idea if you put down a small down payment or you’re buying new, but you can often buy GAP insurance cheaper from an insurance agency than the dealership. Skipping those extras can save you a bundle.
FORGETTING TO CALL YOUR INSURANCE AGENT
When you’re in the market for a new vehicle, and you’ve got a few models in mind, call your insurance agent. You may eliminate a vehicle from consideration because the insurance is too expensive. Once you buy your new car, give your agent a call again. You want to make sure you have the right coverage to protect your latest purchase as soon as possible. Don’t forget that if you finance your new car, you may need extra coverage that you might not have had on your old car.
If you’re in the market for a new car, give us a call. We’ll be happy to provide a free quote to help you decide what kind of coverage you need and how much your Charlotte auto insurance will cost for the vehicle you have in mind.