How to Buy a New Car

Whether you’re on the hunt for a family-friendly SUV or a stylish coupe, buying a new car in Westlake can be incredibly exciting. In this guide, we’ll go through some of our top tips and tricks for how to buy a new car—as well as when to buy a new car to get the most bang for your buck. Let’s get started, so you can get one step closer to your dream ride!

When to Buy a New Car

Knowing when to buy a new car is crucial when weighing your options in Avon or Cleveland. While some drivers want to upgrade every year, others prefer to hang onto their vehicles for the long haul. Finding the right balance will help you make the most of your hard-earned money. Let’s see if any of these scenarios sound familiar to you.

1. Upkeep: Repairs and maintenance have gotten more frequent, and more expensive. You feel like your car costs both time and money that you’d prefer to spend elsewhere. A new car could be a better investment than a vehicle that’s well past its prime.
2. Safety: Your car doesn’t feel as safe and secure as it once did. Maybe it’s not as steady on the Lorain roads, or maybe you long for the high-tech amenities found on newer models. Either way, an upgrade is well worth the peace of mind.
3. Life Changes: You have gone through a lifestyle change since getting your vehicle. You might need a larger SUV to accommodate a growing family, or maybe you want a car with better amenities after a promotion. A new car can make you feel more at home on the road.
4. Emissions Tests: Your car has failed emissions tests. You could try to get it up to code, but that can be expensive. After crunching the numbers, you might find that a newer model is a better option.

How to Find Your New Car

Now you know when to buy a new car, but how do you find a new car? Here’s a brief primer on what you can do:

1. Make a Wish List: What do you want out of your new car? Make a list of your must-haves, as well as nice to haves. Consider everything from body style to tech features to space, and start looking for models that fit your criteria.
2. Narrow Your Search: Pick out your top three models and go on a deep dive. What do auto reviewers say? What about safety testing? This is also a great time to take a few test drives. You might find that certain cars just feel more comfortable to you than others.
3. Find a Great Deal: Once you’ve found the one, keep your eyes peeled. Look around the Lorain for sales, get price quotes, and research what others in your area pay for that model. Don’t forget about sale weekends and holidays!

How to Afford a New Car

While it’s easy to get swept away during the car shopping process, budget is key. So, how much can you really afford to spend? According to U.S. News, your monthly debts shouldn’t exceed one-third of your monthly income. So think about how your future car payment will add to your student loans, credit cards, mortgage or rent, and other expenses. Here are some other things to consider:

• New Car Sales Tax: This non-negotiable tax is added to your car loan.
• Interest Rate: Higher credit scores tend to lead to lower interest rates, and interest can really make a big difference in your total monthly payment.
• Trade-in Value: You can trade in your current vehicle to help offset the cost of a new purchase. Take a look at our value your trade tool to get an instant estimate. If you’re underwater on your loan, you roll your loan over while paying for your new car.

Shop New Cars at Serpentini Chevrolet Of Westlake in Westlake!

Are you ready to start shopping? We’ve gone over the basics of how to buy a new car, but if you need more car buying tips, we’re here to help! Contact us today with any questions and stop by Westlake for your test drive. You can even buy online with our Shop Click Drive tool!