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I used to think that I would never own a truck, van or SUV. Growing up in California, gas mileage and fuel efficiency are priorities and anyone who drove anything that got less than 25mph was just driving a gas-guzzler and throwing money away. Over the years, I’vee moved in different parts of the country and have since learned that what you think is a perfect car at one age, isn’t necessarily the right car for your family or for when you’re older. Our old fuel-efficient coupe would NOT have been the optimal car for living in rural Montana. Here are a few easy tips to find the perfect car for you and your family.
Be Practical About What You Need and Can Afford
Do you live in an area with a lot of unpaved roads? Do you drive mostly on the highway? How many people will you need to comfortable seat? Are children in the near future? What is your budget? These are all questions you need to ask yourself when deciding the type of car you’re going to purchase. A car is a long-term, multi-year investment and what you want in a car now might not be suitable in the next few years. Some vehicles are more practical in certain situations than others. Make a realistic list of the things you want in a car now and might need within the upcoming years so you won’t regret your purchase later.
Do Your Research
Once you’ve narrowed down what you’re looking for in a car, it’s time to do your research. Researching different vehicles is an important step to making an educated car purchase. A site like Cars.com is a great place to start learning more about different cars. Their Research section allows you to browse by type of car or make of car. Cars.com also has an extensive collection of video reviews, offering a closer look at some of the most popular cars. By familiarizing yourself with the different options and features available, you can help narrow down on a specific make and model.
Shop Around
Once you’ve found your perfect car, know your budget and are ready to start buying, don’t be afraid to shop around. Dealerships often sell the same car at different prices. In addition, each dealership has the ability to negotiate the price of the car. Cars.com provides the starting MSRP for each car model, but generally, the sales price of each car is negotiated on a customer by customer basis. Looking at different dealerships will provide a better gauge of current market prices. Remember, as the car buyer, YOU have the upper hand. Be willing to walk out the door with nothing if the dealer is unwilling to give you a fair price.
What are your tips for buying the right car?
great advice