Partnered Post
When you buy a vehicle, whether it is a car, a van or a motorbike, you can often feel a conflict between your head and your heart. Your heart wants that totally impractical sporty little thing or that car that makes you feel good. The one that makes people turn around and say ‘wow,’ the one that signifies much about you as a person. The one that makes your heart race every time you get into it. The head, however, thinks a little more logically. It knows you need a vehicle, but it also knows that bills need to be paid, you need to be able to use it for a purpose, and that you can’t afford the hassle and costs of buying something that, while looks fantastic, just isn’t the right one for you. To help you to keep a clear head when it comes to purchasing a vehicle, here are some tips.
Think about your priorities and write them down
Before you head to California Car and Commercials, or any other new or used vehicle dealership, think about what you need and want from your next vehicle. Make sure that you write it down. This will help you to narrow down the choice of makes and models that are available to you. It can be very overwhelming at first, so doing this can help you to stay clear on what you want and not be swayed by vehicles that may not completely suit your needs.
New or used vehicle
Now you need to think about whether you want a used or a brand new vehicle. There are pros and cons to both options, so again, make a list and weigh up which is better for you. Consider the age of the vehicle that you are buying, whether it comes with a warranty and full-service history, how economical it is – new vehicles are usually more economical than older ones, the mileage, the depreciation of value and of course, the initial purchase price.
Where are you going to buy it from and how will you pay for it.
Now that you know what you want, you need to think about where and how you are going to buy it. Spend some time looking around dealerships and checking out what is out there. Choosing to buy through a reputable dealer would always be advisable in case you have issues with the vehicle after the purchase. In terms of how you are going to fund it – are you basing your budget on the overall purchase price, or whether you are going to be paying it monthly. Knowing this information in advance will enable you to pinpoint the vehicles that are in your price range.
The additional costs after purchase
Last, but not least, it is also worth remembering that you need to consider the additional costs that you will incur after purchase. The fuel consumption, insurance, taxes and things like servicing all need not be taken into account when it comes to your budgeting. You also need to consider whether parts for the vehicle are readily available and are not too costly.
