Guide to Finding the Right Vehicle
Buying a new car is exciting. But before you dash to the dealership and get dazzled by all the shiny cars with their metallic paint and a mile-long list of perks and features, take a moment to ask yourself these 10 questions. These questions will help you narrow down the options and zero in on a vehicle that matches your lifestyle.
- What's My Budget?
- New or Used?
- What Size Car Do I Need?
- How Important is Fuel Efficiency?
- What Features Are Important to Me?
- How Long Do I Plan to Keep This Car?
- How Will I Use the Car?
- Is Safety a Top Priority?
- How Much is Insurance?
- How's the Warranty?
This is the first and most important question. Before you start shopping, you have to know what's in your wallet and how much you can spend on a new vehicle. Don't just consider the cost of the car. Think about how you plan to pay for the car as well. For an in-depth guide to the ins and outs of financing, take a look at our Financing 101 guide.
Both options have benefits. New cars come with the latest features and a full warranty, but they can be more expensive, and you'll have to swallow the sour pill of automatic depreciation in value. Used cars might have a lower price, but they'll also have more miles and wear and tear, which could translate into more spending on maintenance and repairs.
Think about how many people and how much stuff you need to transport. If you have a big family or move lots of items, a bigger car or even an SUV might be what you need. For city living or solo rides, a smaller car might be perfect.
Cars that save on gas can save you a lot of money in the long run. But they might cost a bit more upfront. Decide if the savings down the road are worth it for you. If you have a long morning commute every day, then opting for a more fuel-efficient vehicle or even an EV like the Chevy Bolt might be a wiser decision.
Make a list. Maybe you want heated seats for those chilly mornings or a backup camera to help with parking. Knowing what you want will make shopping easier because you won't be distracted by features that are nice to have but aren't necessarily must-haves for you.
If you plan to keep your car for a long time, maybe look for one with good long-term reliability reviews. If you like getting a new car every few years, maybe a lease is a better option for you.
Will you drive long distances often? Maybe comfort is key. If so, an SUV with cushy seats might be the best fit for you. Just driving in the city? Maybe you want a car that's easy to park and a smaller vehicle will suit you better. Thinking about this will help you pick a car that fits your life.
All cars have to meet safety standards, but some go above and beyond. If top-of-the-line safety is important to you, check out cars with high safety ratings and extra safety features.
Before falling in love with a car, check how much it will cost to insure. Some cars, especially sporty ones or ones that are often stolen, can cost a lot more to insure.
A good warranty can save you lots of stress and money if something goes wrong with your car. Look at how long the warranty lasts and what it covers.
Buying a car is a big deal. It's about finding the perfect car for your life, your needs, and your budget. Asking yourself these questions is a great step to making sure you drive off the lot happy and confident in your choice. And if you're ready to start looking for that perfect car, we're here to help. Visit us at the Amigo Chevrolet dealership in Gallup, NM, to find the car that's right for you.