Tips for Car Shopping
Looking for a new car or wanting to get behind the wheel of a new-to-you car? Either way, there are a few things to consider before you go car shopping. Below are some tips to help make that car buying process easier for you!
- Know your budget – It’s recommended you pay no more than 20% of your monthly income towards a car. This includes gasoline, maintenance and miscellaneous expenses – such as pine tree shaped air fresheners and stain remover. Knowing what you can spend monthly will help in choosing a vehicle you can afford.
- Do your homework – Finding the right car is like finding a good partner, it goes much smoother if you know what you are looking for. Make a list of all the things you want in a new vehicle and then hop online and search out a handful of cars that meet your requirements. Once that’s done be sure to see the vehicles in person and test drive them. Remember, you could potentially be driving this vehicle for five years so make sure you like it.
- Don’t do it alone – Most people only purchase a vehicle every 3 to 6 years so it is not a process they are very familiar with. That means as soon as you walk into a car dealership the salesman has the upper hand. To negate this, you should speak to your financial institution prior to purchase. They can help you through the process by giving you helpful information such as rates and financing.
- Read before you sign – A visit to a car dealership can be exhausting. By the time you get around to actually signing the documents all you want to do is go home. Despite how tired you are it is important you read what you sign. Often people sign up for warranties or other back end products simply because they are just eager to leave. You can save yourself money by taking just a few minutes to read the fine print and ask a few more questions.
Purchasing a vehicle can be a daunting task but if you have any questions, Fort Worth Community Credit Union is available to help. Call the Member Information Center at (817)-835-5000 and start your car buying process today!