How to Make Your Car Buying Process Easier
Updated January 13, 2022 . AmFam Team
Updated January 13, 2022 . AmFam Team
Are you in the market for a new, or different, vehicle? Ready to start looking, but dreading the process? Car buying doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little detective work and preparation, buying the car of your dreams can be a fun and exciting experience. Here are some tips to get you on the right road.
What kind of car do you picture driving? Try to narrow your list down to a few of your favorites. If you know what you want, and don’t want, the process will be much easier.
Understanding what you can realistically afford when car shopping can save you a lot of time and money down the line. If you set a car budget before you start shopping, you’ll be less likely to get in over your head. A general rule of thumb – your car payment should equal no more than 15 percent of your pretax monthly pay.
If you have an idea of the car you want to buy, your insurance agent will be able to give you an idea of your monthly premium. Knowing this will help you budget better.
Financing at the dealership is convenient, but it might not be the best deal. Shop around. Check with your financial institution before you buy. A little research could get you a really great rate.
What else should you do before heading to the dealership? Watch this quick video for great tips to make your car buying experience go more smoothly.
You've been dreaming of buying a new car, and now you're ready to make that dream a reality.
Before you head over to the dealership, here are a few helpful tips from American Family Insurance to make your car purchase go as smooth as possible.
First, check out car prices online to get a better understanding of the price range for the vehicles you're considering.
If you're planning on taking out a vehicle loan, take a minute to brush up on your understanding of financing and loan terms.
Next, get your free credit report from one of the three credit reporting agencies. A higher score can help you get a better loan.
You'll also want to check out financing options from multiple lenders to make sure you're getting the best rate and terms.
It's important to build a budget so you know what you can afford before you fall in love with a car on the dealer's lot. Your budget should include your down payment, how much you'll pay right away as well as your monthly payment.
Don't forget to factor in the cost of car insurance. Call your American family insurance agent or head to AmFam.com to get a personalized quote in minutes.
All right. You've got your budget together. You've found the perfect car and you're ready to buy. What do you need to bring with you to the dealership to make sure you can take your new vehicle home right away?
An up to date driver's license, your payment, whether you're using a check, cash, credit card or loan to make your purchase.
If you plan on getting a loan through the dealership, you'll definitely want your most recent pay stubs.
Ask if the dealership wants you to fill out any forms online in advance too.
Your credit report. The dealer will pull your credit score and history, but it's great to have your own copy so there are no surprises. If you don't have a great credit score, you may also want to bring a list of references who can vouch for you, a few recent utility bills in your name to prove your current address, if you've qualified for a discount through your credit card company, the dealership, the manufacturer or any other company, bring that complete discount information with you.
Proof of auto insurance. This is mandatory in most states. So don't let a lack of insurance prevent you from driving off the lot with your new ride. Call your American family agent today to see how much you could save when you build your own car insurance policy.
And here's our last two quick tips.
If you're trading in a car, be sure to bring your current certificate of title, current vehicle registration, any service records you have and the vehicle itself preferably cleaned and ready to go.
If you're buying a car out of state, there might be additional fees and paperwork for things like safety inspections or smog test.
So it's a good idea to look up that state's requirements to avoid any last minute surprises.
And there you have it. By being prepared and knowing what to expect, you can be ready to buy your new car with confidence.
Want more great tips about buying, selling, maintaining, or insuring your vehicle? Visit AmFam.com or contact your local agent today.
American Family Insurance.
You’re about to spend your hard-earned money on a vehicle that you’ll most likely have for quite a while. Make sure you’re completely comfortable with the way the car drives and feels.
The more research you do before you get to the dealership, the easier the negotiation process will be. Salespeople are expecting you to negotiate – so be prepared, be confident and go get the deal you deserve!
This article is for informational purposes only and based on information that is widely available. We do not make any guarantees or promise any results based on this information.