How to Buy a New Car
Finding a new car for your Capitola commute doesn’t have to cause you stress. Whether you’ve experienced overwhelming car buying experiences in the past or it’s your very first time buying a car, the team at Santa Cruz Subaru has what you need to find the right car for you. Learn how and when to buy a new car, so you can leave the dealership with a smile on your face. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any car buying questions.
Deciding When to Buy a New Car
There are many enticing new Subaru models on the streets of Santa Cruz, but it can be difficult to know when it’s time to add a new vehicle to your own San Jose driveway. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help you decide when to buy a new car:- How often do you visit the service center with your current car? Instead of constantly paying for costly repairs that take time out of your busy schedule, at some point it may be more beneficial and cost-effective to buy a new car.
- Your safety is important, so if you’re worried about getting into an accident because of consistent mechanical problems with your vehicle, it’s time to trade up.
- Do you currently drive a small coupe or sedan? Your thrilling performance doesn’t always agree with your growing family. Consider upgrading to a family SUV like the Subaru Forester, which is packed with convenient features and safety technology.
- Save yourself the hassle of costly repairs from failing emissions tests. Opting for a newer vehicle saves you money in the long run.
Finding the Right Vehicle
Once you’ve settled on when to buy a new car for your San Jose commutes, how do you find the right model for you? Start by establishing your budget and sticking to it. If you need help creating a budget and payment plan, the knowledgeable team in our finance center is happy to help. Take the next steps in how to buy a new car by following these steps:
- Take the time to narrow down your search by considering your driving habits and what you expect from a vehicle in terms of cargo space and interior features. Then, search for models that meet your specifications.
- Continue to narrow down your options until you’ve selected your top three models. Dive deeper into their safety ratings, reliability, lifespans, etc. It’s a good idea to also schedule a test drive to test them out on San Jose streets.
- Once you’ve settled on a model, reach out to local dealerships to request price quotes, and research how much other shoppers have paid for the same model.
- Keep an eye out for big sales around the holidays. Holiday weekends like Black Friday and President’s Day tend to have really good deals.
Financing a New Vehicle
Now’s the time to make your choice official. It’s important to take a closer look at your budget and how the investment adds to your other debt. U.S. News recommends that your car payment should not cause your monthly spending-including credit cards, student loans, rent, etc.- to go over a third of your monthly income. Be sure to keep these other costs in mind when learning how to buy a new car:
- New Car Sales Tax: This fee is unavoidable and is often added to your overall car loan amount.
- Interest Rate: Your credit score helps to determine your interest rate and your monthly payments. Lower interest rates mean you’ll have a lower monthly payment, however, not all drivers qualify for a lower rate.
- Trade-in Value: Trading in your current vehicle can help offset the purchase price of your vehicle. Dealerships offer trade-in programs and are willing to work with you even if you still owe money on your current vehicle. You have the option to pay off the remaining amount yourself or have it added to your new loan. Find the estimated value of your vehicle with our value your trade tool.
You can start the process by applying for financing with a quick pre-approval online ,while the team in our finance center is ready to provide any assistance you need.
Explore Car Buying Tips with Santa Cruz Subaru!
Now that you have a better idea of how to buy a new car, take the next steps with the team at Santa Cruz Subaru. Upgrading your Scotts Valley commutes doesn’t have to be a hassle. Continue exploring the car buying process and take a look at our other guides like How to Refinance a Car Loan or how to clean leather car seats.