When it comes to shopping for a new car, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. With so many different makes and models available, and so many choices in terms of trim packages and additional features, finding the one that fits your needs best can seem like an insurmountable task. Fortunately, there are plenty of strategies you can use to get the information you need to make an informed decision without spending months preparing to shop. Here are five tips that can help you find a great deal the next time you shop for a car.
1. Research Is Important, But Do It Smartly
Because there is so much information about cars available online, diving into it seems daunting. How can you be possible read up on every car, truck, and SUV available and become informed enough to make a decision? The answer, of course, is that you can’t — but this doesn’t matter. Instead of trying to learn about every single option, make a list instead of the features that are most important to you, and use that to guide your research. This will help you focus in on the types of vehicle you are interested in, and use your time to learn more about them.
2. Use Your Social Networks
There is a limit to how much information you can gather from reviews and articles online. The data suggests that most of us use social media when determining what cars we should buy, and as it becomes easier and easier to
3. Think Beyond The Dealership
For most North Americans, looking for a new car still revolves around visiting dealerships. And while dealerships have their place in the automotive market, they are no longer the only option, and thinking beyond the dealership can be a great way to find a better deal. Before buying a new car you can try and sell your old car or that old car that is sitting in your garage for some extra money. After that, shopping for your next vehicle using online sites is a fantastic alternative to traditional dealership-based shopping
4. Buy At The Right Time
Car prices are famously mutable, and what time of year you shop (and even what day of the week or month!) can have a real impact on the kinds of deals you find. You may not always have a lot of control over when you shop — if your car has just broken down, you probably can’t afford to wait — but if you do, be strategic.
5. Don’t Forego The Test Drive
While the way we shop for and buy cars has changed drastically in recent years, that doesn’t mean that you need to throw the baby out with the bathwater. While most research can now be done over your computer or phone using the Internet, you should never consider purchasing a car that you haven’t actually driven. Booking a test drive is still the best way to figure out if a car is right for you.
Looking for a new car will always be a big task, and no two shoppers will have exactly the same needs. But most shoppers can make the job easier by being strategic about research, using their social networks and browsing online car shopping sites, buying at the best time of year, and making sure they drive a car before buying it.