6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Buy a New Car

Ponder answers to the right questions before you step foot in a dealership, and buyer’s remorse won’t haunt you later. Ask yourself the following questions before you seal a car deal.

1. What Is the Purpose of This Car?

You can narrow your options by confirming your new car’s main role. Is this your Sunday automobile, which will remain tucked in the garage for safe keeping except for its special-occasion cruises around town? Will it transport you back and forth to work and save you a pretty penny with efficient gas mileage? Is this a new family vehicle that will haul your children to six different after school activities?

2. Do I Prefer a Certain Kind of Transmission?

The tides have changed from decades ago when manual transmissions reigned supreme, and you had few options if you planned to own an automatic. With that being said, manual transmissions are still offered on some models, but you might have a smaller selection if you are attached to a stick shift. Automatics have improved in the last decade and can provide equal gas mileage to a manual, depending on your driving habits.

3. How Much Room Do I Need?

Are you looking at expanding your family in the next five years? If so, you need extra hauling and seating space. Do you carry things from work on a regular basis or go on long road trips with a trunk full of luggage? The cabin may fit your body size perfectly, but the rear may lack cargo space. Are you planning on delivering supplies for work or recreation that would require a pickup? Choose the size of vehicle that best fits your lifestyle.

4. Do I Need to Transport a Pet With Regularity?

Some four-legged friends rank at the top of the very-important-family-member list next to children and parents. With that being said, are you able to travel with your animal in the vehicle you are looking into purchasing? You might consider a hatchback or an SUV, which has an open cargo area, instead of a four-door sedan. Do you need a sunroof so your dog can breathe fresh air? Consider that before you commit.

5. What Upgrades Benefit Me?

While there are upgrades that can be bought separately, most vehicle extras are included in the model you choose to buy. So if you want leather seats, you will purchase the top-of-the-line instead of a lower model with additional leather seats. Contemplate what the luxury models have to offer before you settle for the base.

6. What Color Do I Prefer?

Every tint will not be available the day you decide to buy your new wheels, but it’s worth considering. A dark color attracts heat while a light one shows dirt faster. A popular shade is harder to pick out in a crowd, but it might fit your wants best. Also, remember the interior of a car links to the exterior, so you may have to forfeit a dark interior to gain an exterior hue of your liking. Prioritize your desires in advance.

Hopefully, after thinking about the options, you’re headed to complete contentment in your car-buying experience.

Image via Flickr by Kohei314

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