So you want to own a car?
Posted by Bob at May 9th, 2008 in Tips of the Day
Owning a car is an investment. And as investments go, you will need to make a series of decisions.
# 1: New or used car?
Advantages of used car:
* It is less expensive.
* You will pay less insurance.
* There are many dealers of used cars to choose from.
* Cars that are “certified pre-owned” has warranty.
* Used car financing is cheaper than that of new cars.
* Used cars distributed by certified dealers go through research for quality maintenance.
There are some disadvantages in buying used cars. But the trick of the trade is really on the dealer. Choosing a quality used car is not a skill. You only need a number of cars to choose from. And you have that option since there are many dealers of used cars even on the Internet.
Advantages of new car:
* Brand new.
* In best working condition.
* Warranted.
* Latest model.
The only down side of brand new cars is on the budget. So if you’re running short, a used car is not too bad.
# 2: Now which one to buy?
This is on practicability and necessity. So if you’re in doubt which car or truck to buy, think of what you will be using it for. Here are some tips you may consider:
* What will you need a car for? Is it for business or personal use?
* What fits your lifestyle?
* Consider your environment. Will you be driving on a smooth highway or on a rocky road?
* Do you need cargo space?
* If you have a family, will the car be big enough or small enough for everyone?
* How big is your garage?
# 3: So you decided to go with used car.
The price of a used car or vehicle is generally based on its condition. You should also consider the model and the brand of the vehicle. Big vehicle companies have better means for research and development on their brand and models. So a vehicle with a good brand and model is more likely to be in good shape. However, more popular brands are likely to be more expensive.
# 4: Now what good will this car be?
You will need to know the car you’ve chosen. You can search on Wisconsin Preowned to find information on the vehicle you want. Consider the standard features, current price, safety, warranty, resale value, etc.
You can also request for a vehicle history report on the vehicle you’re going to buy. This information is based on the vehicle identification number, or VIN. This is crucial so you will know if the car has any history of accidents or defects.
# 5: How much do you have?
The budget is always the first consideration. If you have a tight budget, you may want to take note of the following:
* Your monthly salary.
* Your down payment.
* Final purchase price. With your monthly salary and down payment, you will be able to figure the price range fit to your budget. Use a payment calculator (easily found online) to help you.
# 6: Do you need a loan to get a used car?
There are three ways you can pay for a used car:
* You can pay cash. This is arguably the best way to pay for a used vehicle since you can save on interest payments.
* You can finance the car through a bank or credit union. Shop around for a competitive interest rate.
* You can finance through the dealer. This can work to your advantage if your credit score is good and current interest rates are reasonable.
# 7: Test drive your “new” car.
The best way to determine a car’s condition is to test-drive it. If your car is certified, this is less necessary since it has been through a thorough inspection. Also, if a car is certified, it will have a manufacturer’s warranty.
Check for the following when you test-drive:
* Does it have adequate headroom?
* Does it have adequate legroom?
* Does the car accelerate properly?
* Is there any noise from the engine?
* Are the brakes in proper working condition?
* Can you easily see the gauges and controls? Can you reach them?
* How does the engine sound?
# 8: Now you’re almost there.
By this time, you should have found a pre-owned certified vehicle. The only task left is to pay for the car.
You will need insurance before you drive the car home. If you are not buying a certified pre-owned vehicle, you might want to consider purchasing an extended warranty.
Once you finish the paperwork, the car is yours for the taking.
Relax and enjoy driving.
Tags: car locator service, nationwide vehicle delivery, deals in Wisconsin




















































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