Buying a vehicle is a major decision. With that in mind, you want to do everything you can to choose the best vehicle for you and your family.

Best Time to Buy a New Car

Once you have your new car at home, make sure you know how to maintain it to protect your investment and enjoy it for many years.

Work with a reliable dealership.

All dealerships are not created equally. When you begin looking for a new car, look at the dealership, too. Research them online at the same time you are looking for new or used vehicle inventory. Working with reputable sites such as Hoffman Ford will give you peace of mind.

When you go to test drive a vehicle, you should feel comfortable working with the salespeople to get your questions answered. Have fun with the process, and bring a list of questions and wants with you. This way, you will not forget anything when you are having so much fun with that new car smell.

Understand your financial situation.

Wanting the vehicle of your dreams and actually purchasing it may be two different things. Understanding what you can and cannot afford is important information to have on hand before you decide to buy. 

Begin sorting out your finances by looking at monthly income versus expenditures. If you have annual bills or fees that will impact your finances, take them into account, as well. Once you have a clear picture of how much you can afford to pay on a vehicle loan each month while still maintaining your lifestyle and paying other bills, it is time to talk to your lender to get pre-approved for a loan.

A loan pre-approval letter empowers your negotiations in the same way a cash payment on a new vehicle will. You know exactly what you can afford going into the process and have a better idea of how you can negotiate the price.   

Know the basics of vehicle maintenance.

Not everyone grows up learning at a parent’s knees and gains an understanding of how to work on vehicles or recognize what a particular rumbling or squeak might mean. Anyone can learn how to perform a few basic maintenance items.

And, if you are not interested, you can always outsource the job. Bringing your vehicle to an auto repair center or the dealership is an easy way to ensure it stays in proper working order for years to come.

No matter whether you take the do-it-yourself approach or pay the professionals to do it for you, what matters is knowing what needs to be done. Take a look at the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and follow it judiciously.

When you take time to care for your vehicle, you are taking strides to ensure it will last longer.

Watch this video for guidance on things every vehicle owner should know how to do to maintain their car.

When it is time to buy a new or new-to-you vehicle, take your time. Do your research and find a reputable dealership that you feel comfortable with. Take stock of your finances, and then take care of your vehicle. You can feel the pride of ownership knowing you have found the best vehicle and the best deal for you.

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