How to Buy a New Car

Are you looking for a new car that will enhance your Martinsville commutes? Whether you’re a novice in the car buying process, or have had poor dealership experiences in the past, Gunter CDJR Martinsville is here to help ease your stress with our guide on how to buy a new car. Learn more on how and when to buy a new car so you can leave our dealership lot in your dream vehicle.

When to Buy a New Car 

Since purchasing a new car can be quite a large financial commitment, it’s important to consider timing and knowing when to buy a new car. If you oftentimes find yourself in the predicaments listed below, it may be time to buy a new car:

• You’re constantly paying for expensive repairs on your current car. As your vehicle continually consumes your money, you may end paying more for repairs in a year than you would for a new car.
• You don’t feel safe driving your vehicle. If your car has maintenance issues that you worry may be putting your safety, or the safety of other Danville drivers at risk, it’s time to invest in a new automobile.
• If your car has been failing the emissions test, it may be time to switch out to a newer vehicle that will meet those standards, and save more money in the long run.
• Has your lifestyle drastically changed since you bought your last car? Perhaps you have a compact sedan, but need to upgrade to something larger like a Jeep Cherokee. 

How to Find Your Dream New Car

Once you’ve decided that it’s time to buy a new car, what’s next? You can start by researching what exactly you’re looking for in the next vehicle. Check out this step-by-step guide on what comes next in this process:

• Narrow Your Search: What do you want in a car? Consider mileage and fuel economy, how much cargo space you want, how much passenger space you need, desired technology, and safety features. Once you’ve made a checklist of what you’re looking for, start searching for the car that meets this criteria. 

• Pick Your Top Three Models: Find the top three models that have what you’re looking for, then do a deep dive on critical information such as their safety ratings, lifespan, and reliability. Contact us to schedule a test drive of your favorite models to get a better sense of how the vehicles feel on the road. 
• Find a Dealership: Once you’ve decided on the vehicle you want, search for local dealerships and request price quotes. It’s also a good idea to research what others have paid for that particular vehicle.

• Be on the Lookout for Sales: Consider purchasing a new car around major sale weekends or holidays like Black Friday or Presidents Day so you can save some cash on your brand new vehicle. 

How to Afford a New Car

You’ve decided on the car you want, now it’s time to take a closer at your budget. How much can you afford to spend on a car? While getting a new car is exciting, it’s important to factor in the cost of the vehicle in conjunction with your other debts. According to U.S. News, your car payment should not put your monthly debts–including credit cards, student loans, rent, etc.–over a third of your monthly income. When you purchase a new car, you should also keep in mind these additional costs that will be tacked on:

• New Car Sales Tax: This tax is non-negotiable and is typically added to your car loan amount.
• Interest Rate: Your car’s interest rate will also impact your monthly payments. If your rate is lower, then your monthly payment will be lower. However, it’s important to note that you only receive a lower interest rate if you qualify, and not all drivers qualify based on their credit score. 

• Trade-in Value: If you currently own a car, you can trade it in for the new one you want. While most dealers will purchase the car from you and apply that amount to your new car, if you still owe money on your current vehicle, the dealership will tack that remaining cost onto the new vehicle price. Our online value your trade tool can give you an instant appraisal of your current vehicle. 

Luckily, you can contact our finance department and we’ll help you determine what kind of vehicle fits your budget. You can also utilize our online tools like the finance application to get instant approval, as well as the payment calculator that will provide you with an estimate of what your new car monthly payments will be. 

Shop for a New Car with Gunter CDJR Martinsville!

Now that you know how to buy a new car and when to buy a car, browse our inventory where you can choose between a durable pickup like the RAM 1500 or a sleek SUV like the Jeep Renegade. Gunter CDJR Martinsville also offers rotating new vehicle specials so Reidsville, NC drivers can find a car at a price their budget will love!