Car Shopper’s Guide To Finding The Right Vehicle In Springfield, TN
Finding The Right Vehicle For You
Car Shopper’s Guide to Finding the Right Vehicle in Springfield, TN
Getting ready to buy a new car in Springfield, Tennessee? There are a lot of important factors to consider when shopping for your next vehicle, and it’s understandable to have a few questions about the process. Fortunately, we have answers here at Reiselman GMC, and we’re ready to work with you through the entire car shopping journey. Let’s take a look at each step to help you make your decisions with confidence.
Identify Your Needs
It all starts with determining what your needs are. Any vehicle can provide your basic transportation needs, but are there any other roles that your next vehicle must fill? Do you typically drive solo, or do you need plenty of interior space for carpooling duties? If you do ride with passengers on a regular basis, a larger SUV might be the right choice. If you don’t need the passenger space, then a compact SUV might be a practical pick for you. If you need to tow trailers or haul serious payloads, then it’s hard to overlook the utility and power of a pickup truck. For any vehicle you want, research its safety, reliability, and affordability.
Set Your Budget
To avoid making a commitment that you’re not financially ready for, take the time to set a budget for your next car. Sticking to a set price range accounting for all expenses will help you narrow down your options and find a model that you can comfortably afford. Remember the general car-buying rule that your monthly transportation expenses should stay within 15 percent of your monthly income.
Consider the True Cost to Own
When you weigh your options with your budget in mind, you’ll need to analyze more than the price itself. You’ll have to consider the true cost of ownership, which goes beyond the sticker price to include all the expenses associated with owning the vehicle, from insurance and loan interest to maintenance, fees, and fuel. Even if a vehicle’s price tag seems to work with your budget, the addition of these expenses might move it out of your price range.
Take a Test Drive
It makes sense to try before you buy, especially with an investment as major as your next car. Once you’ve narrowed your list down to two or three options, contact the dealership about a test drive. If you call ahead and schedule your test drive in advance, you’ll give the dealer time to make sure the model you’re interested in will be ready for you on the lot. Once you’re in the driver’s seat, ask critical questions like these:
- Will the ride and cabin be comfortable for you and your passengers?
- How do you feel about the steering and brakes?
- Do you like the way the car handles, accelerates, and preforms in general?
- Can you see well out all sides of the vehicle?
Getting an Auto Loan
If you’re not planning to pay the full amount for your in cash on the spot, you can finance your purchase with an auto loan. To apply for financing, you’ll need to provide info about your credit and income, which a lender will use to determine how much money they can let you borrow. Then, you’ll pay back the loan over a set period (usually 36, 48, or 60 months), plus interest.
Depending on your situation, you might be able to take advantage of certain auto loan types with unique benefits. If this is your first vehicle purchase, a first-time car buyer’s loan might connect you with fewer fees and a lower down payment. There might also be other auto loan options with lower interest rates or lower monthly payments, so feel free to ask about your financing options.
How to Choose the Right Car
When you’ve completed your research and your test drives, you should be ready to make a decision. If your finalists all offer the essentials and qualities that matter most to you, look for anything that gives one option the advantage. It could be a matter of extra features, the lowest price, or even personal preferences like looks and style. Remember that you’ll likely own this vehicle for years, so consider which one you’ll be happiest with down the road.
Find Your Next Vehicle at Reiselman GMC
When you’re ready to make an investment that you can feel great about mile after mile, come see what we have waiting for you at Reiselman GMC. Our automotive experts will work with you from start to finish to ensure that you have a rewarding car shopping experience, and we can’t wait to see you on the lot at 2516 Memorial Boulevard, Springfield, Tennessee 37172.