What You Should Know Before Buying a Car
The car buying process is an intimidating but necessary process. Personal transportation is essential for everyday life! Whether you’ve purchased several vehicles in your lifetime or you’re setting out to buy your first one, our team has compiled a list of the top things you need to know before signing the paperwork.
1. Consider the Cost of Insurance First
Auto insurance rates typically differ by car model, year, and sometimes color. If you already have an auto policy or you’ll be opening your first one, it can be helpful to get a few quotes before committing to the vehicle.
Many dealerships will require proof of insurance at the time of sale, so spend a little time shopping around for the best options.
2. Think About the Design and Size
Most buyers will be drawn to a specific style or look of a car. This is an important factor because you want to feel good while driving! However, there is more to a vehicle than just its looks.
As you think about the design and appearance of a vehicle, you need to contemplate how it would accommodate your needs. Do you need a lot of passenger space? Do you prefer a lot of cargo space? The size of your vehicle can contribute to your overall satisfaction in the long run. Take time to evaluate your current needs and try to find those features with the style you like.
3. Consider the Safety Features
Unfortunately automobile accidents are a common occurrence, so when you look at different cars for sale, you’ll want to look for top-tier safety features. Some of the newest technology includes: adaptive cruise control, adaptive headlights, backup cameras, automated parking, and collision sensors.
You can also look at the crash test rating of a specific make and model. This tool showcases the overall safety of a vehicle in the event of an accident. You can even find how well a vehicle held up in certain situations or wreck types!
4. Research Prices and Gather Information
The aspect that makes car buying so stressful is the cost. You want to get the best value, but you also have to consider depreciation and the longevity of your purchase. The best way to shop confidently is to complete your own research before you start visiting car lots.
You can utilize resources like Kelley Blue Book to get an idea of a vehicle’s value. That’s a great starting point, but you’ll also want to build an understanding of how different features can influence the total price. If you’re looking at a specific vehicle, you can also utilize the history reports to determine if the price is a fair value.
Buying a car can be an equally exciting and intimidating experience, but with preparation, it can be a smooth process. Our team at Express Auto would love to help! Visit us at one of our five Michigan locations (Kalamazoo, Holland, Wyoming, Benton Harbor, and Battle Creek) where we are proud to serve all of Western Michigan.