Buying a car is always a major financial decision whether buying new or used. You will find that the price for the same model can fluctuate heavily based on many factors, so what can you do to make sure that you are getting the best possible deal on a car? Read on for a few tips that should help.
New or Used?
First, you should consider whether to buy new or used. If you buy new, you will obviously end up spending more on the car but keep in mind that you will have warranty protection and the car may be more efficient than a used car. However, cars can depreciate by over 50% after 3 years, so you could be taking a big hit if you decide to sell the car later. Buying used will work out as cheaper, but you will want to make sure that you have an extended warranty in place if the manufacturer warranty has expired. Therefore, buying a used car that is just a few years old can be a smart financial move.
Control the Variables
If buying used, there are many variables that can affect the price. Factors like age, mileage and engine size can reduce the asking price. Some sites allow you to insert these variables into an online calculator in order to find out the car invoice price, which is useful if you want to avoid hours of haggling. By adjusting these accordingly, you can make savings based on the variables you choose. However, keep in mind that sacrifices could end up costing you more in the long run, so it’s best to find a middle ground between lower cost and reliability. You should also consider the availability of replacement parts like Powerstroke Diesel Engine Parts for the car you’re planning to buy.
Buying Options
You also need to consider the buying options available to you, choosing the one that best suits your finances. Buying a car outright works out as the cheapest option as you will not end up paying interest, but this will not be an option for those buying higher end or more expensive cars. You can take out a car loan to pay for the car, assisting you to make the total payment in full. Comparing finance deals is another way to break down the payments into smaller increments. Leasing is an option worth exploring, allowing you to avoid car value depreciation and can be a more affordable option if you don’t wish to own or resell the vehicle.
Negotiate
You should also try to negotiate, especially in the used car market as you may be able to get a much better deal. If buying new, it might be hard to bring down the price, but you may be able to get the dealer to throw in some extras. There is a lot of good advice for negotiating online that should help.
Things to Look Out For
Finally, there are a few things to look out for. You should always educate yourself on used car scams if buying in the second-hand market and be wary of CAT cars – these are vehicles that had been labelled as damaged or written off by insurance companies and restored. These can be potentially dangerous and unreliable as well as more expensive to insure.
Hopefully, this post will give you a few ideas for ways to get the price on a car and help you to make savings on what is always a large financial decision.
