Top Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Buy a New Car

Buying a new car should not be a hassled decision. There are many factors you should carefully consider and more questions to ask yourself before impulsively purchasing a new car. Without careful consideration, you could end up under a great financial burden.

Here are some of the questions you should ask yourself before you buy a new car.
 

Top Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Buy a New Car

#1: What kind of car am I looking for?

Knowing which kind of car you want to buy can help you narrow down your options, so you do not get overwhelmed with the countless kinds on the market. It is recommended you consider whether the kind of car you want is suitable for you.

Consider the following:

• Whether you need this new car for your personal use only or for your whole family
• Whether you want a luxurious car or a casual one
• Whether you want an electric car, a hybrid, or a normal gas car
• Whether you want an SUV, minivan, or a truck
   

#2: Can I afford a new car?

This is perhaps the most important question, as your budget and finances play a huge role in which car you can afford. You should set a budget for your new car purchase. Then, you should determine whether you can pay it all in cash or do you want to take an auto loan?

If you decide on taking an auto loan for your new car purchase, there are more factors you need to consider. These include:

• How much down payment do you want to put
• How long do you plan your auto loan term to be
• How good is your credit score
• How much monthly payment can you afford

Furthermore, getting a new car comes with more expenses than you need to account for to make sure it all fits your budget. Such extra expenses include:

• Fuel costs
• Car insurance
• Warranty
• Repair costs
• Preventative maintenance
• Emergencies
   

#3: Do I want a new or a used car?

Deciding whether you want a new or a used car can either cost you more money or save you a lot of money. New cars are always more expensive but could come with an extensive manufacturer warranty and insurance.

On the other hand, used cars cost less. So you have the option to get a new car with a few miles on it for a significantly lower cost. Before purchasing a used car, though, you should get a certified mechanic to inspect the vehicle and review its history report.

You do not want to end up purchasing a used car with many faults, which repairing costs could cost you more than what you bargained for.
 

#4: What do I like and dislike about my current car?

It is important you understand what you like and dislike about your current car. This understanding can help you narrow down what you want to look for in your new car and also avoid ending up with a new car that you are uncomfortable with.
 

#5: What features do I want in my new car?

Car manufacturers pack a ton of features in their new cars, and most of these features can be overwhelming and quite enticing to get. Such features, though, come at a higher price; you need to consider which features you need the most.

So do your research, or watch YouTube videos to enrich yourself about which features you need and which are of no use to you.
 

Best Car Dealerships Recommendations

Now that you know what to consider before you buy your new car allow us to present you with the top car dealerships that can offer you the best deals with auto financing options.

1. Carvana

Carvana is our top recommendation for one of the best car dealerships in the U.S. It has over 25,000 certified pre-owned cars that you can browse through. Carvana is an online-only dealership that serves all 50 states and will deliver your new car to your doorstep.

If you are looking for financing options, Carvana has you covered. You can get pre-qualified in just two minutes without affecting your credit score, and your financing offer will stay valid for 45 days.

2. DriveTime

DriveTime is our second-best dealership recommendation in the industry. In addition, it is one of the most highly rated dealerships on the market, earning an A+ rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau.

DriveTime has an extensive inventory of over 11,000 cars to shop from and over 130 dealerships spread across the U.S. The dealership also allows you to trade in your old car or get an instant cash offer from Kelly Blue Book®.

If you are looking for auto financing, DriveTime will allow you to borrow up to $35,000 with no minimum credit score requirements. Your loan terms will be personalized to your credit scores, finances, and down payment.

DriveTime will also offer you the following benefits:

• Money-back guarantee
• Basic warranty
• DriveCare program
• Powertrain coverage
• GAP coverage

3. Bev Smith Kia

We present you with the Bev Smith Kia dealership for our third recommendation. Bev Smith Kia has over 60 years of delivering the best automotive services. It has earned top ratings from review sites and an A+ rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau.

Bev Smith Kia offers you thousands of new and used cars for purchasing. The dealership also offers:

• Car leasing
• Test drives
• Trade appraisals
• Servicing
• Parts ordering
• Kia warranty

As for its auto financing services, you can borrow up to $60,000 across a lengthy 84-month loan term. Your loan terms will be determined according to your VantageScores and TransUnion credit report.