Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
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Buying a car is a big deal. Few other purchases are as expensive as buying a car. Choose well and you can have years of reliable transportation, safety and enjoyment. Choose poorly and your experience can be far less satisfying.
As nerve-racking as buying a car can be, however, you can make the process easier and less stressful by shopping at a reputable dealership. If you're new to the car-buying experience, there are a few tips and tricks that will help any beginner know how to go about the process and not get taken for a ride.
To help, here is a beginner's guide to car-buying.
Do research
You don't know what you don't know, which is partly why it's so important to research potential vehicles before you start sifting through listings and visiting dealer lots. Consider what your needs and wants are and go from there. For example, if you need or want a mid-size SUV, you might perform some simple Google searches like, "best mid-size SUVs," "mid-size SUV rankings," or "mid-size SUV reviews," to start.
Then, look to reputable sources for information on vehicles that pique your interest. Sources like Car and Driver and Motor Trend are excellent, too. Even various YouTube channels like Utah's own Everyday Driver or Ben Hardy offer insightful commentary on many different vehicles you might be interested in.
Search listings
Once you've done some basic research on what cars you are interested in, the next step is to head over to a Ken Garff dealership—or their website. You can search makes, models, and features to see what options are available.
After you've found a few potential vehicles, it's time to head to the dealership.
Test drive
It can be challenging to know what car you want after only a 20-minute test drive, so be sure to take your time with the vehicle. Consider even taking a friend who's well-versed in "car speak" who can help you understand all the quirks and features of the vehicle, without the added pressure of a salesperson looking over your shoulder.
If you're still not sure about the car after you drive it, go drive several similar vehicles at other Ken Garff dealerships to get a feel for what you like and what you don't.
Doing so will help preferences arise you didn't know you had and will lead you to a car that you truly love. If you're spending your hard-earned dollars on something as expensive as a car, you deserve to be in something that brings you joy every time you start it up.
Inspect
Dealerships usually send their vehicles through a fairly lengthy inspection before selling, so be sure to ask for the report (if there is one). At the very least a dealership should provide a CarFax report which should show if there were any serious accidents, and how thorough the maintenance has been.
Make an offer
After your inspection is complete, the next step is to make an offer. Car valuation sites like the National Automobile Dealers Association and Kelley Blue Book can help determine a car's value.
Be aware that in today's car market, many cars are selling for higher values than what reputable valuations from the NADA might indicate, which could affect the amount that a lender is willing to loan.
Arrange financing
Once a price is agreed upon, you'll then need to arrange for financing. If you're purchasing through a manufacturer dealer, you may find that they have special financing options for well-qualified buyers. This could include lower-than-average interest rates, and/or cashback or incentive plans for certain cars.
The finance manager at the dealership will provide payment scenarios based on loan terms, interest rates, and down payments. Once you settle on a term length and payment, you'll be ready to sign papers and close the deal.
Close the deal
If you've never purchased a new car before, you might be surprised at the number of papers that you'll need to sign. There are several documents dealing with your loan and several others about the sale of the vehicle from the dealer's inventory and into your hands. It usually takes about 20 minutes and isn't meant to intimidate you.
The finance managers at Ken Garff dealerships are especially well-versed in helping explain complicated terms and answering questions, so don't feel shy about asking questions during the closing process.
Enjoy the car
The last step of the process is to enjoy your car! You did it! Pat yourself on the back for making a good, informed, and exciting decision and then go celebrate your new ride with your friends and family. Take some photos and be sure to tag Ken Garff on social media.
Looking for your next car? Ken Garff dealerships have some of the most robust new and used inventory in the state. View their inventory today at kengarff.com.
5 tips for ordering a new car
While there isn't an end in sight (yet) for the slowed vehicle production, there is a way to get the car you want for the price you want: ordering from the manufacturer. It's something that's becoming a more popular option for those looking to upgrade their ride.
