Car shopping is an exciting experience, but sometimes it can be overwhelming. Whether you’re browsing new cars or used cars when choosing your next ride, it’s essential to have a plan. Here are some steps to make the process easier.

3 Tips to Make Car Shopping Simpler

1. Establish Your Budget Range Before You Begin

When you’re shopping for a car, you’re considering making a big investment. To narrow your search from the start, choose a budget range. Consider the overall cost, down payment, and monthly payments. To make sure you have plenty of choices, try to separate your overall cost range by a few thousand dollars. Your monthly payment should be less 15% of your monthly take-home if you’re buying, or less than 10% if you’re leasing.

2. Think About Your Needs & Wants

After you know how much you can spend, start thinking about the main features you need. If you have a large family or typically haul lots of cargo, look for a large interior. If you do off-road driving or your area has harsh winters, look for four-wheel drive. After you’ve got the necessities, then think about your wants. These could include entertainment features like a Bluetooth-compatible sound system or luxury features such as heated seats and steering wheels. Not all new cars have these, so it is important to shop around. When you consider these things after you consider the cost, you’re less likely to make an impulse selection based on features.

3. Inspect Your Selections & Test Drive Them

After considering wants and needs in conjunction with your budget range, you should have a few picks in mind. Find a dealership that offers these selections, preferably with both new and pre-owned cars to choose from. Inspect your choices in person, and don’t forget to take each for a test drive before making the final decision.

Shopping for new cars is easy when you work with Crescent Ford in High Point, NC. With the selections of a massive dealership and the customer-first mentality of a local, family-owned business, they’re the perfect combination. No credit cards for purchasing cars, but financing is available – call today at (336) 869-2181.