How to Prepare for Buying a New Car
How to Prepare for Buying a New Car
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So, you've decided it's time to buy a new car. While it's an exciting time, it can also bring about a lot of stress, as a car is oftentimes the second largest purchase of a person's life, behind a house. Figuring out where to start can be the biggest hurdle to overcome in the car buying process. Here at Gary Miller Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we want you to make your new car-buying experience enjoyable all the way through. Please continue reading below to learn the first steps to get you well on your way to getting behind the wheel of the perfect new car!
Prepare your Credit
Credit is an essential part of a new car. Here at Gary Miller CDJR, we work with drivers from all credit situations. Just like you wouldn't leave for a cross-country road trip without filling up the tires and gas tank, you shouldn't go to finance a new car without first checking on your credit. To make your car buying experience smoother, it's important to see where your credit stands. First, you'll want to check your current credit score. There are a few ways to check your credit score for free online. A "good" credit score is between 670 and 739, while 740 to 799 is considered very good, and 800 or more is considered exceptional. If your credit score isn't where you'd like it to be, there are ways to improve your credit to increase your chances of getting an auto loan. This includes paying your bills on time and paying off any credit card debt. Also, you should only apply for credit if you really need it, as hard inquiries can negatively affect your credit score. You should also work on saving for a down payment as you prepare to buy a new car, as this will help decrease your monthly payments and interest rate.
Buying vs Leasing a New Car
Next, you should consider whether you should buy or lease a new car. Buying, also known as financing, is borrowing money for the total cost of the car from a financial institution and paying it back each month over a predetermined period of time. Financing gives you the freedom to customize your vehicle, get it serviced at any shop, and has no mileage limits. Additionally, after you pay off the loan, you own the car, free and clear. Meanwhile, leasing is oftentimes the cheaper option, as you're paying for the car's value instead of its total cost. In most cases, leasing rarely requires a down payment. Lease terms typically last between 12 and 36 months. At the end of a lease, you simply return it for a new one, or you can purchase it for the remaining value.
Take a Test Drive
Once you've figured out the perfect car for you and how you're going to pay for it, it's time to take a test drive. Test drives are an essential part of the car buying process, as they simulate what your daily drives would be like with this new car. To get the most from a test drive, you should do your best to drive under the same conditions you would on a day-to-day basis. For example, if you spend time on windy backroads, then you should test drive your possible new car on similar roads to ensure it handles nicely on the curves. If you spend a lot of time on the highway, make sure that the acceleration is up to your standards and feel how smoothly it rides at highway speeds. If you spend your drives in stop-and-go situations, get a feel for how the car performs at low speeds and how it feels when stopping and accelerating. Paying attention to these things is the best way to make sure your new car is perfect for handling your everyday drives.
New Cars for Sale Near Me
Buying a new car can be stressful, but it should mostly be exciting! Here at Gary Miller Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we want to help you hold onto that excitement while shopping for your new car! Right here on our website, you can find our new inventory, a financing application, a trade-in vehicle appraising tool, and more! If you prefer, we invite you to visit us in-store, where a friendly sales expert will happily work closely with you to find the perfect vehicle while keeping you in the best financial situation. We hope to see you soon!
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Max payload/towing estimate ratings shown. Additional options, equipment, passengers, and cargo weight may affect payload/towing weights. See dealer for details.