Car shopping and comparing different makes and models are considered both exciting and stressful experience. The experience is exciting because you are finally living the dream- to finally compare different makes and models, test-drive the best models in the market and pay for a car that has been the subject of your daydreams for years. But it can also be stressful and frustrating- with a long list of prospects with outrageous sticker prices, you’ll end up confused, restless and disappointed. So how do you make car shopping a pleasant and fruitful experience? If you’re in the market for a new car and you want a pleasant shopping experience, just pay attention to the following tips on how to score the best car for your needs.
1. Can you afford a new car?
Buying a car is not considered an investment, which means that once you purchased one, expect its actual value to diminish over time. According to Motley Fool, most new vehicles in the market will lose 20 percent of their value in the first 12 months. This should be factored in when looking for a new car to ensure that your finances are balanced and you will not be surprised at the value of your ‘investments’ after a few years. Should you decide to face the challenge and continue on with your plans, it’s best to have a budget, and start doing your research. Do it online, and do it comprehensibly by covering different aspects of car ownership including cost, maintenance costs, size, brand reputation and the car’s ability to meet your needs. There are different websites that can help you figure out the car prices including Edmunds.com and Kelly Blue Book.