Buying a car should be straightforward with internet car shopping, competitive pricing, and the ability to browse cars at your fingertips. However, that isn’t always the case.
With the inception of COVID-19 in 2020, car buying in 2021 and beyond has changed. For better or worse, inventory, fuel efficiency, technology packages, and how we go about buying a car are radically changing.
Start With a Budget
Here is where most people go wrong – they start with the car they want, not the budget they follow. When purchasing a new or used vehicle, beginning with the type you want is reasonable, but everything should stem from the budget.
Settle the New vs. Used Car Debate
While each offers pros and cons, the ultimate how-to-buy a car method to fall back on when settling the new vs. used debate is your budget. Refer to number one above and keep in mind that whatever car you decide on should fit your budget.
Factor “Other” Costs of a Car
After roughly one to two months, the newness of your car wears off, and at that point, it becomes something you use to get from point A to point B. Keep in mind that there are other costs of purchasing a car to always consider.
Select the Right Car
Once you take care of the first two, the steps to buy a car are relatively simple.
1. Figure out what you can afford.
2. Decided whether you will go with a new or used option
3. Select the car you want
Use Internet Inventories to Browse Cars
Eventually, you will find the car that fits your budget, needs, and, hopefully, wants. After test driving a few cars, you can finally pinpoint the exact car you aim to purchase. However, don’t forget to use the internet to browse inventories.