Rev up your confidence before shopping for a vehicle with Sierra Blanca Motors’ detailed guide on how to buy a car.
If you’ve never bought a car before or many years have passed since your last purchase, you have probably found yourself wondering how to buy a car in the 2020s. What does the process entail? How much value can I get for my trade-in? What should I look for during the test drive? Let’s find the answers to these questions and more!
Do Your Research | Set a Budget
In the Internet Age, consumers can receive everything needed to learn how to buy a car with the click of a button. Gone are the days of unclear pricing, hidden fees, and other surprises. Before a buyer even leaves the house, they can learn how much a car will cost, what the monthly payments will look like, and whether a preapproved loan remains an option.
The friendly staff at Sierra Blanca Motors love to work within a customer’s set budget to find the best value within a given price range.
Get Preapproved for a Car Loan
Applying for a preapproved car loan goes a long way towards helping a consumer set a reasonable budget. At this stage, a buyer can visit a lender website and determine how much they can afford. Applicants should have their financial documents ready during the submission process to get a car loan.
Customers should not worry if their application gets rejected. Sierra Blanca Motors provides in-house financing provided by third-party lenders and can work within a buyer’s budget. Try using our car loan calculator.
Car Trade-in Value
Determining the estimated value of your car’s trade-in value will help you know what to expect during the in-person appraisal. Go online and find a free car appraisal service. Then, enter all of the details regarding your vehicle, taking special care to include the most valuable features, like a sunroof, heated/cooled seats, etc.
Sierra Blanca Motors can help you determine an estimated car trade-in value for free.
New Car Test Drive
Many dealerships advertise various test drive offers that allow customers to get behind the wheel of a vehicle and see how it runs. Check out these helpful tips for a successful test drive:
- Schedule an appointment to avoid waiting
- Call ahead of your appointment to confirm the vehicle’s availability
- Create a checklist of must-have features
- Drive the car for several miles to get a better feel for it
- Bring another person to act as a neutral set of eyes and ears
Check Warranties and Sales Price
Once you’ve decided on a car, email or text the dealership asking for a final price that includes any dealer-installed features, taxes, fees, etc. Also, request a detailed breakdown of all applicable charges. Don’t forget to ask about a standard, extended, and after-market car warranty, which will increase the overall cost if financed along with the car. Finally, get a quote for a maintenance plan.
Contact a Salesperson | Close the Deal
Now that you’ve found the right car and feel satisfied with the financing, it’s time to close the deal. You can either sign the paperwork at the dealership and drive home in your new car or have the vehicle delivered to your home or office and close the deal there.
Either way, make sure the final price reflects the quote you received earlier and that no hidden charges exist. As long as everything looks correct, you can sign and take delivery of your brand new car.
Sierra Blanca Motors | Your Local Car Dealer | Ruidoso, NM
Sierra Blanca Motors prides itself on providing straightforward, upfront pricing, exceptional service, and a no-hassle buying experience. Take advantage of our free car-buying tools and contact us for all available information regarding your next vehicle.
