Out of almost 2,000 car owners, 40% have car-buying regrets, a 2022 survey shows.
Buying a new car is a costly investment that you want to be sure about, but it’s not as easy as it sounds. There is a lot of research and detail that should go into the car-buying process.
So, what exactly should you be checking before making a huge purchase? Keep reading to find out.
1. Safety Systems
Active safety systems are important vehicle perks but aren’t always included as standard equipment.
Before buying a new car, start your research online for systems you are interested in. Then, go to the automaker’s website to build your vehicle with optional packages and trim levels.
Once you find the exact vehicle you want, confirm with the dealership that the car has those safety features. At the dealership, you can cross-check the details on the window sticker.
2. Gas, Hybrid, or Electric
Vehicles can be categorized into gas, hybrid, or electric cars. Hybrids and electric vehicles (EVs) cost more upfront, but greener cars are less expensive to run.
You can often earn back the cost of a hybrid in as little as two years. EVs come with serious savings, especially when gas prices are high. Some EV purchases are eligible for tax incentives as well.
After deciding on a gas, hybrid, or electric vehicle, you can narrow down your choices further.
3. Maintenance Costs
An important step on a car buyer’s checklist is to find out how much maintenance will cost. Many buyers ignore maintenance when purchasing a car because they are only thinking about the upfront costs.
Some cars come with complimentary maintenance, such as free tire rotations and oil changes, but most don’t. Factor in the cost of maintaining your vehicle before you complete the car-buying process.
Don’t forget to take into consideration the extras you might want after purchasing your vehicle. For instance, many car owners choose to get tinted windows. You can find pricing information for this at detailproshop.com.
4. Seating and Storage
If cargo space is a must for you, don’t just look at the numbers. Cubic feet of passenger and cargo space is a great statistic to know, but it won’t tell you anything about headroom.
To ensure your passengers won’t have to cramp in the backseat, test the seats out for yourself. Sit in the car and feel how easy it is to get in and out of the vehicle.
Test out the trunk too. If you have large items you always need in your trunk, make sure they can fit there. For example, if you need a folding wheelchair in your trunk, decide if it will be easy to lift and load in a new car.
Buying a New Car: Follow This Checklist!
Buying a new car should be a fun and exciting experience, but you have to be serious about the details. To ensure you aren’t left with regret, follow this buyer’s checklist to the tee.
Start your search online and ask the dealership as many questions as possible. Test out the car by driving, sitting in the seats, and checking out the trunk.
For more blogs on the auto industry, check out other posts on our website!
