Balancing Budget, Safety, and Comfort: Tips for Buying Vehicles

If you are considering buying a new car, you may want to look at several dealers to find the best deal, but if you are looking for a specific model, such as a new Kia Optima, you may not want to visit multiple dealerships. Take your time and consider all your options carefully before making your purchase so you get the best deal you can.

Shopping for Your Car

When you start looking for a new car, start with the dealer that is most likely to have the one you want. If the dealer does not have what you need, you can look at other dealers in the area and see if they have what you want. 

When you are shopping for new cars, you may not be able to find the exact model you want at the trim level you want, but often, the dealer can order the car from the manufacturer for you. If you want specific options and the dealer does not have a car with them on the lot, you may want to discuss the options for ordering the right car for you. 

Financing Options

When you are buying a new car, the most common way to pay for it is to take out a loan and pay for the car over time. The dealership can often provide financing through the manufacturer's finance program, one of several banks they work with, or you can get a load through your own bank or credit union to cover the cost of the car. 

If you are not sure that you want to finance the car for five or more years, you may want to consider a lease for your new vehicle. The lease term is shorter than the loan, and at the end of the lease, you can turn the car in without a penalty as long as the car is under the mileage specified on the lease agreement. 

Extended Warranties

When you buy a new car, the manufacturer will offer a warranty on the car. The dealer may offer you an extended warranty that will add additional coverage to the car or extend the time of the coverage after the manufacturer's warranty is over. You will have to weigh out if the extended warranty is a good fit for you or not, but for people who spend a lot of time on the road, the more coverage you have, the better off you may be. 

Talk to the dealer about the warranty and ask any questions you might have to be sure you know what, if any, additional coverage you need.