Whether it’s your first time or you’re simply adding a new item to your RAM or Dodge collection, there’s no doubt that buying a car is a big decision. But it doesn’t have to be stressful as long as you don’t let your excitement cloud your judgment and lead you in the wrong direction.
Your excitement can easily get out of hand especially if you live in La Cruces, NM or El Paso, TX, where some of the country’s most amazing tracks can be found and where car dealerships like Viva Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram FIAT of Las Cruces offer the best deals. Here are five steps that can help take the stress and confusion out of car buying.
Step # 1: Get Pre-Approved for a Loan
Unless you are paying cash for your vehicle, you must get pre-approved for an auto loan first. That will give you an idea how much you can afford before you start shopping around. Visit your bank’s website and look for a loan you can apply for. Most credit unions and big lenders offer the same type of loan, so go check their websites, too. Choose a loan that will work best for you not just during the purchase, but also in the long run.
Step # 2: Choose a Car
Check online for vehicle makes and models that are currently available. Make a list of those that you like and compare their specs. Include vehicles that fit your taste and lifestyle. Narrow it down further to at least five choices by eliminating those that lack the specs you desire and are outside your budget range, which you can base on your loan pre-approval. Once you’ve finalized your list, you’re all set to visit a RAM dealership in Las Cruces, NM and have a closer look at each of those vehicles.
Step # 3: Hear It from the Dealer
You can’t completely rely on everything you’ve read online while making your list. Some information may be inadequate or, worse, inaccurate. On your trip to a Dodge dealership in El Paso, TX, make it a point to ask the dealer for more details about the vehicles you’ve shortlisted. They might give you fresh insights that can bring you closer to the most ideal option. This is also a great way to choose your top three.
Step # 4: Schedule a Test Drive
What better way to end your vehicle selection than to do a test drive? A 15-minute test drive can give you more information about your top three choices than what you can gather in a five-hour online research session. Listen to the sound and movement each vehicle makes in every shift and turn. Check if the steering wheel is centered when driving on a straight path and how much vibration it makes. Slightly let go of the wheel and slowly step on the brake to see if the vehicle pulls to the left or right. There are so many things you can realize and factor in your decision during this step.
Step # 5. Close the Deal
Done choosing? Go to the dealership’s financing department and tell them that you have pre-approval for a loan so that they can improve your annual percentage rate. Carefully read the financing terms and sales contract before signing any document. Most vehicle offers come with extra accessories, after-market products, and an extended warranty. Be sure to ask as many questions as possible to pick the ideal package inclusions.
While the process seems simple, it takes many years of experience with cars to develop a level of confidence that points you to the right direction when buying a car. If you have some uncertainties about your decision, it would be best to just find the best car dealership in your area and start your vehicle search from there. After all, a good car dealership always offers the best vehicles. Check out Viva CDJRF for more helpful tips.
