Have you decided the time is right to upgrade your car? Perhaps the repair bills are becoming too steep thanks to its age, and your car no longer offers the reliability, comfort and convenience you counted on it for. Even the best vehicle has a lifespan. But before rushing into a purchase, we’ve got some great ways that you can save money. These tips ensure you get the car you want at a price that will make you happy.
Start with Some Research
A good place to start is with some research. Because a car is a rather big-ticket purchase you want to be sure you’re making a wise investment. You can start with a list of all the essentials the new car needs and set a budget. That will automatically narrow down your options, and then you can start to read reviews on the ones that get your attention.
Book a Test Drive – Make Sure You’re Happy with Your Choice
While research will act as an important first step, it is impossible to narrow down your options without also going for a test drive. Just because a car gets fabulous reviews from drivers and experts in the field, it doesn’t guarantee you’ll love it. You need to be comfortable behind the wheel and like the way the car handles.
Will You Be Trading In the Old Car?
One of the best ways to bring down the price of the new car is to trade in your existing one. Whatever price is offered you can then put it towards the new vehicle. Some choose to trade-in with the dealer you are purchasing the new one for, or you may try listing your car privately and selling it on your own.
Look for a Price Match Guarantee
While you may be familiar with the price match guarantee at big box shops or retailers, car shopping isn’t exactly the place you also expect to find this potentially money-saving offering. For example, the price guarantee available at places like Bob Davies Car Sales means you don’t have to shop around from dealer to dealer to find the best price. If you’re curious about whether a particular dealer has a price match guarantee and how it works, be sure to ask in advance.
Don’t Be Afraid to Haggle with the Sales Person
Keep in mind that just because there is a sticker price on the new vehicle of your dreams, it doesn’t mean it is set in stone. It’s perfectly normal and even expected that you haggle with the salesperson over the price. If the salesperson isn’t willing to budge on price, see if you can get some extras thrown in for free instead. This can help you to feel a bit better about the deal you get.
Extras could include such things as:
- Upgraded car mats
- Paint protection
- Fabric protection
- Extended warranty
- Chip and dent protection
By using these tips, you’ll be able to upgrade your car to something fabulous, all while saving a little money in the process.
