Which Car Is Best for Me in Okarche, OK?

How to Choose the Right Car for You

Car shopping can seem daunting, especially when you’re not sure what kind of vehicle will work best for you. And when you’re making such a large investment, you want to be sure you’re making the right decision. Carter Chevrolet has put together a few tips and tricks that will help you determine which car is best for you.

1. Assess Your Needs

When assessing what you need the car for, consider the following questions:

How many passengers do I need to carry?
Do I have a long commute/is fuel economy important?
What cargo capacity do I need?
Do I need to tow anything?
Do I spend a lot of time in the city or off the roads?

Answering these questions will help you get a general idea of what body style you may need for your next vehicle.

2. Set Your Budget

Unless you plan on paying in cash, you need to consider financing your purchase or leasing. You don’t want to go beyond your means, so the general rule of thumb is to not exceed 15% of your monthly take-home pay. This rule should still apply to used cars even though they generally cost less. You’ll also want to factor in the costs of insurance, fuel, and interest.

3. Know the Best Time to Buy a Car

The best times to buy a car are typically during holiday weekend sales, at the end of the month, and at the end of the quarter. The best months to look into are March, June, September or December. Waiting until the right time can save you money, but don’t sweat if you can’t make it to one of the recommended times, as that’s where the fifth tip comes in.

4. Test Drive

Test drives are a crucial part of the car buying process. Until you get a proper feel for the car, you won’t know if it’s a good fit. Believe us, you don’t want to drive off the lot and find out you have a hard time parking or merging. When you schedule your test drive, be sure to test out all components of the vehicle so you’re not surprised later on.

5. Always Negotiate

Now that you’ve found the car you want, it’s time to talk about finances. If you’re prepared to pay in cash, you’ve already got a leg up on the negotiation process. Either way, give the seller the amount you’re willing to pay for your next vehicle. make it lower than what you’re willing to pay so there’s some wiggle room. Trust us – it’s not as scary as it sounds!