New Car Buying Checklist
There could be a lot of reasons why you are in need of a new car. Maybe it is time to trade in your current ride for something with newer tech and less mileage. Perhaps your kids are getting bigger and involved in more activities, so you need a car with the space to handle it all. You may even be looking to make the switch from your gas-powered vehicle to a more eco-friendly EV.
Whatever has you in need of a new car, we are all about making the process simple and tailored towards your needs here at AcceleRide®. That is why along with creating a way for you to easily shop for and buy your new car online, we have also put together this new car buying checklist to help you ensure you enjoy smiles for miles in your next ride!
Why Should I Create a New Car Buying Checklist?
Think about the last thing you purchased online. Was it a new shirt? A pair of headphones? Maybe it was groceries or plane tickets for this year’s family vacation. In today’s world, we make all sorts of online purchases.
Next to buying a home though, the second-largest purchase most people make is a car. So, why wouldn’t you first take the time to come up with a game plan? Whether you’re a first-time buyer or consider yourself a seasoned pro, having a checklist ensures you account for each aspect of the car-buying journey and ultimately drive off in the car that is the best fit for you. With that said, here is our new car buying checklist to help you navigate the process seamlessly!
Set a Budget
Determine your maximum budget, including down payment, monthly payments, insurance, and maintenance costs. Using a payment calculator is the best way to determine exactly what your buying power is.
By accounting for all the various expenses of a new car, you can see exactly what to set your budget at when searching through our selection online. You can even see what your estimated trade-in value is if you plan to sell your current car so you can also account for that when setting your budget.
Determine Vehicle Type
Next, you will want to decide on the type of vehicle you need based on your lifestyle. There is a range of options out there, from coupes and sedans to full-size SUVs and heavy-duty pickup trucks.
While some drivers may need an SUV with AWD to travel along snowy or icy road conditions in the winter, others may live in an area where that isn’t needed, and they can opt for a highly efficient hybrid car.
Take into account the type of driving you do and what you will be using your car for to determine if you are best suited with a sedan, truck, SUV, or another style of car.
Do Your Homework
Once you establish how much car you’re able to afford and the type of vehicle you want, the fun really begins! Thanks to our innovative platform, AcceleRide®, you can search based on both of those requirements and then see the various vehicles that are a fit.
You also can take the time to learn more about your various options so you can see which specific vehicle and even trim level has all the tech features you want, the design you prefer, and the capabilities you need by researching various models online. Be sure to also take the time to check out safety and reliability ratings to ensure your new car will also provide the peace of mind you want!
Take a Test Drive
A test drive allows you to experience firsthand how the vehicle performs on the road. You can evaluate its acceleration, braking, steering response, and overall handling. This is particularly important if you have specific performance requirements or preferences.
Sitting in the driver's seat as well lets you assess the comfort level and ergonomics of the vehicle. You can check if the seats provide adequate support, if there's enough legroom and headroom, and if the driving position feels natural and adjustable to your preferences.
During the test drive, you can also test the functionality of various features and technology systems in the vehicle, such as the infotainment system, navigation, climate control, and driver assistance features. Overall, a test drive is an essential step in the car-buying process as it provides valuable insights into how the vehicle performs, feels, and meets your expectations in real-world driving conditions.
Choose Between Leasing vs Buying
While it will come down to your financial situation, driving habits, and personal preferences, you will also want to take the time to understand the differences between leasing versus buying a new car.
When you lease a car, you essentially pay for the depreciation of the vehicle over the lease term, Then, at the end of the lease, you return it to the dealer. When you buy a car, you pay the full purchase price either upfront or through financing. Once you complete the payments, you own the car outright.
If you have a long daily commute or frequently travel long distances, buying might be more cost-effective since there are no mileage restrictions. If you prefer driving newer vehicles every few years and enjoy having the latest technology and features, leasing may be more appealing.
Fortunately, with AcceleRide®, you can work out the terms you prefer for your payment plan and see in real-time the expenses you can expect. See what leasing offers there are for the ride you want and compare it to the loan terms you can get so you can determine the path that fits your budget best.
Buy. Sell. Be Happy. with AcceleRide®
By completing each of these steps, you can ensure you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the new car you’ve been dreaming of driving at the right budget based on your lifestyle.
Ready to take the next step? If so, then simply check out our inventory online through AcceleRide®, and please feel free to contact us with any questions!