Planning on buying a new car? Congratulations, this is an exciting time in your life, but also a very important financial decision. A smart car purchase will be a blessing in your life that provides you with a great means of transport, a way to get your loved ones around, and hopefully a basis for a ton of fabulous road trip memories! It’s important you do not rush the car buying process, because you need to be sure the car you buy is a good fit for you and your family. Here’s a car buyer’s checklist with 3 things to consider before upgrading your car:
1) The Mileage
If you are buying a newer car, chances are the mileage will be better than your older car. But make sure you compare online to really check. As a general rule the smaller the car the better the mileage, likewise newer cars have special features that help them be more efficient. You can use online calculators to see what the average mileage will be per year for the make and model you are considering, but do be smart about this because a small different in fuel efficiency can add up to a big difference in the long run.
2) Your Changing Lifestyle
Are you planning on expanding your family any time soon? Perhaps one of your parents isn’t in the best health and they may come to live with you? Or maybe you want to get another dog. Be realistic about potential changes to you and your family in the next five years so that you will purchase a car that suits your family needs. Cars.com has a range of cars that will suit you whether you are just a couple, are a large family, or a single person who just wants a sporty two door. It’s quite an ordeal buying a car and a lot of time and money is spent in the process, so try to buy one that will last you for the coming years.
3) Safety Features
I always check the safety features of a car before I buy because chances are your going to be driving around family members and friends that mean the world to you. Should an accident happen, you want to know you made the best decision buying the safest car in your budget. You may be surprised by how much variation there is in the safety ratings on modern cars, so take a look and make sure your next purchase is a smart one.
I hope these tips help you make a great car purchase! There’s nothing quite like the feeling of driving away with a new car.