How To Buy A Car And Save Money

As you prepare for buying a car, it’s best to have a guide that can aid in your decision-making process. To help you make the smartest choice, we’ve rounded up practical tips one must know when buying a new car.

Set Your Budget
Decide on how much you can afford to pay for the car and make a commitment to stay within that amount. In setting your budget, always take into account other items such as registration, tax and insurance costs. Don’t make the mistake of looking only at the car’s base price. Expect to add roughly 10 to 20 percent on top of the car’s purchase price for taxes and other fees when buying new.

Do Your Own Research
Sure, car salespeople can tell you exactly what kind of car will suit your needs. However, it is important to keep in mind that they are in sales and it is their job to sell you something. So instead of relying solely on what they will tell you, do your own research. Aside from car prices, other information you need to check include safety ratings, features and online reviews. Sites like carsales.com.au is a great resource to get the latest car news, videos, reviews, tips and advice. You may also want to check our previous post on steps to getting your dream car.

Compare Prices
Don’t rush your purchase. Once you’ve selected which one to buy, shop around and visit several stores or websites to get the best deal at a great price. Beware of extra charges and add-ons. Sort the needs from the wants and don’t get easily carried away with the nice-to-haves.

Book a Test Drive With a Dealer
Take the car for a test drive before doing any negotiations. Prepare a list of all the things you need your vehicle to do and go over it while you’re in the car. Check whether essential functions such as brakes, gears, clutch, lights, doors and air conditioner are working. Taking a car on the road will you get a feel for whether it’s the perfect car for you.

Carry Yourself with Confidence When You Negotiate
Know what your car is worth before talking to your car dealer and haggling for a better price. Always ask the invoice price and negotiate down from that.

Have any tips to add? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.