Tips For First Time Car Buyers

If you’ve never purchased a car before, the experience can seem quite intimidating. Next to a mortgage, saving up for a vehicle is probably one of the biggest expenses you’ll encounter in your lifetime and it’s important to be confident in your buying decision. There are so many options to choose from these days, and it’s an exciting moment when you can finally get behind the wheel of the car, truck or SUV you’ve been dreaming of! To make the buying experience less stressful, we’ve outlined 10 steps to get you started.

Pick Your Car

Do you want a heavy-duty Ram 1500 or a compact Chrysler 200? Are you looking for fuel efficiency or towing capabilities, or both? Once you figure out what type of vehicle will suit your lifestyle, you can narrow down the search by model: car, truck or SUV. Then, do a bit of research on the brands available, if you don’t already have one in mind. Our CarFinder tool is a great online tool that makes online shopping easier than ever. With CarFinder, you can enter information about the vehicle you’ve been thinking of, right down to the make, model, year, colour and even mileage!

Calculate Your Budget

Have you ever shopped for something without setting a budget, only to be let down when you know you can’t realistically afford it? While it’s disheartening, it can also be dangerous, especially if you’re the type to justify excessive spending by taking out a loan or borrowing funds. Always set a budget before you start car shopping. That way, you won’t struggle with your monthly payments later on, and you might even have a bit of extra cash to put towards new accessories for your vehicle.

Finance or Lease Your Vehicle

Most first time buyers opt to discuss finance and leasing options with their dealership, because rarely does anyone have $25,000 lying around for immediate purchase! At Hanover Chrysler, we have a number of customized leasing programs and affordable financing available for those who require it. We also work with all financial situations, regardless of your past credit score. Low interest car loans are available for customers with existing loans, and our leasing programs are always flexible to accommodate you as much as possible.

Speak With the Seller

Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the vehicle you’re interested in. Before you come down to the dealership, put together a list of questions you may have. That way, you can erase any doubt or concern up front. Even if you leave our dealership and a question comes to you later on, we’re always happy to take any calls and help you any way we can!

Inspect the Vehicle

Take a good look around, inside and out. If something looks off, ask the seller right away. You can also ask to see the vehicle’s CarProof report, which is a detailed set of paperwork which outlines the vehicle’s entire history, including everything from minor repairs, to its current registered status and even accident reports! If you’re buying new this won’t be an issue, but if you’re opting for a pre-owned vehicle, it’s always good to do a thorough inspection. Don’t be afraid to get under the hood or crawl under and shine a flashlight on the undercarriage!

Take a Test Drive

What better way to get a feel for a vehicle than by using it for its intended purpose? Book a test drive with the vehicle you’ve got your eye on. When you’re out on the road, listen for any unusual sounds, such as rattling, and check to make sure there are no excess emissions coming from the exhaust. You can also feel how the car handles, and have a better understanding of what your everyday driving experience would be like.

Close the Deal

Finding the right dealership is a whole lot more than just buying your new car. It marks the beginning of a very important relationship between customer and buyer for years to come! Most of the time, the dealership you purchase your vehicle from is the same dealership you’ll bring your new car, truck, or SUV for regular maintenance and repairs when the time calls for it. When the sale is closed, the dealership will walk you through all the important last minute details before you drive off the lot.

Are you looking for a new vehicle? Shop our new inventory, or take a look at our pre-owned inventory today! Have a question? Give us a call at 1-(888) 910-8180 and speak with a professional.