Buying a new car can make for a nerve racking and mentally draining experience, especially if you don’t know what you are looking for. Often people start with only a price range, but that is really only the tip of the iceberg. When it comes to spending big money on a new car, follow these steps to make the best out of your investment.
Get Organized
When looking for a new car, writing down your thoughts can help organize your ideas. Educated purchase decisions become vital, so make sure to do your research. The first step to your purchase is to start with personal allowances. Allow yourself ample time and make sure you are thinking clearly with your head instead of making emotional verdicts. Split decisions when purchasing a car can lead to heartache and costly repairs. Approach every dealership with hope, but allow yourself the ability to walk away. It is good to compare and stack up the competition but it also lets the dealer know you are not desperate.
Do The Research
After you have taken the vow of patience, it is time for the nitty gritty, yet, essential chunk of the operation. Luckily, most of the research can be performed from the comfort of your own home. One of the most important factors in the equation is really knowing the value of your trade in. Do not let the dealership determine this for you. There are many resources online or off, Carmax or Kelly Blue Book are just a couple of examples. Begin your search by emailing various dealerships with a list of what you are looking for. This will help you conserve energy when it comes to the actual footwork,a s it will help you grasp a better idea of what you’re looking for. And before you even go in, make sure you are financed. Often times your bank will offer you a better interest loan than the dealership’s bank and knowing ahead how much money is available to you makes for a much smoother process.
Test Drive
Once you are ready to start meeting your potential next new car, take full advantage of the test drive. Test drives are a privilege that can really help you get a feel from a particular vehicle. Enjoy it. Use that filled gas tank and explore the city. A prolonged test drive is recommended so you can really get a feel for that acceleration, braking, throttle, engine noises, smells, gas mileage, working accessories, etc. Take your time.
Safety First
When choosing a vehicle and its equipment, much of it boils down to personal needs and opinions. Safety, however, should still be one of your top concerns. Look for built in front and side air bags, an alarm system, anti lock brakes, an anti-skid system and power locks. Navigation system is also a nice addition, making it easier to follow directions and look up information without having to access a separate unit.
Read The Fine Print
Once your selection has been made, research it. Do your homework and know how much you should pay and where you might find a better local deal. Make sure to get an itemized list from each prospective dealer that includes the vehicle sale price, tax, title and tags, as well as the vehicle’s specific vin number. By doing this you can really compare finalized notes and numbers. When you do finally sign that paperwork, make sure to read all the fine print.
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Lamarque Ford is proud to be one of the premier dealerships in New Orleans, LA. Located in Kenner, LA, Lamarque Ford is committed to providing you the best customer service and vehicle service for the life of your vehicle. Whether you’re on the market to purchase, finance, or service a new or used Ford vehicle, you’ve come to the right place.