The Fiat 500L, the Fiat 500 USA, the BMW M5, convertible tops — just some of the options you have when you decide to buy a new car. You will literally have hundreds of models to choose from, and finding the right car will depend on your savvy and smarts.
For example, you’ll want to look at specials on new cars like the Fiat 500L if you are going to be able to afford it and make a purchase that makes sense for your budget.
But there are many people who rush into buying a car without making sure they cross all their t’s and dot all their i’s. Here are a few mistakes you will want to avoid.
- Not Test Driving. Any car will look incredible from the outside, especially if its one that you have been eyeing for a while. All the specs may sound right, the body and interior may match your vision, but until you sit behind the wheel, you won’t have any idea how it feels. Don’t just take it for a spin around the block, either — drive around town for a bit, test out the highway, check out all the features, and see if you can imagine yourself driving in this car for the next 10 years, at least.
- Buying the “Wrong” Car. If you truly don’t need a convertible, don’t spend the money on one. Similarly, if you rarely have passengers in your car, buying the latest Escalade won’t be necessary either. Instead, look for a car that best suits your needs; if all you need is a sedan with enough room for a spouse and a child, or your significant other, then go with that. Blowing your budget on something unnecessary will be a waste.
- Trading in Your Car. You may have heard that trading in your car will help to reduce the price on a new vehicle, but this is often not true. In fact, this just gives the dealer a chance to rip you off. You will be better off trying to sell it on your own on Craigslist — you can usually get more money for it that way than a dealer will offer you.
So, don’t wait until after you make your purchase to slap yourself on the head and realize what you have done. Be smart about your purchase from the beginning, and avoid these common missteps. Read more about this topic at this link.