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Step 1
Know what type of vehicle you need, which do you feel safer driving small, midsize or larger vehicle. Do the research online for the various models available from
the manufactures.
Step 2
Know how many kilometers you will be driving each year. e.g.: 12,000Km, 20,000Kms or 40,000Kms.
This is even more important if you're planning on leasing a vehicle.
Step 3
Know how many passengers you will be carrying 1 - 2, 3 - 4 or
more than 4. More than 4 passengers, you may want to consider a mini van.
Step 4
Where will you be driving the most? On the highway, in the city or a combination.
If your doing more highway driving consider a luxury ride with perhaps a V6 for added power.
In the city you could consider a 4 cylinder in either a 5-speed or automatic. In the city automatics are preferred with a small 6 cylinder.
Step 5
Test-drive each model you're interested in, on the test drive page you will find a detailed check list you may want to print out that will help in your evaluation. Test drive the vehicle in conditions you will be driving daily, city and/or highway. Pay special attention to design, comfort, braking, handling, acceleration, ease of entry and exit. Plus, know what kind of ride you are looking for a soft-cushioned ride or a firm, road-hugging ride.
Step 6
Know what conditions you will be driving in throughout the year.
Such as: Heavy snow with infrequently-plowed roads or icy city streets. This will help in your decision in regards to purchasing front wheel drives for city driving, four wheel drives or all-wheel drive vehicles.
Step 7
Know how much cargo space you will need.
Golf clubs, suitcases, hockey equipment, recreational loads, etc. Check the trucks lift over for easy entry of cargo and how much cargo it will carry.
Step 8
Check
insurance rates on the models you're interested in. You will find different rates depending on the type of vehicle: sports, sedan, recreational, etc. Make sure they fall within your planned budget.
Step 9
Check with various financial institutions to obtain loan rate information. Compare with the dealers financial plan.
Many dealers receive low interest loans through the manufactures or discounted loan rates through the major banks. Always, check to see what the dealer has to offer.
Step 10
Know how much you want to spend on a vehicle and what your
monthly payment should be. Some of the older model cars will have a shorter finance term and higher interest rate because of the year. For example: on a 90 - 93 model you may pay a higher interest and finance over shorter time which would give you a higher payment. You may pay a little more for a 94 - 96 but can finance over a longer term with a lower interest. Talk to your bank and dealer about this because your payments may not vary as much for a newer model. Shop this price and vehicle around to several different dealerships and write the comparisons and prices . The dealer who meets or comes closest to your target price and desired options should get your business. Be sure that the dealers price quote will be your final cost.
Step 11
If you are planning to trade-in a vehicle its always best to negotiate the price on the vehicle you are purchasing first. Then find out what the dealer would give you on trade. This will give you a better idea of what your car is really worth on trade. Visit our web page for valuable information on trading in your vehicle
Step 12
Usually once you've decided on what you want to purchase you will then complete the transaction in the
business office with a finance manager. When talking to the finance manager ask your questions about financing.
If you've done your homework you can decide on whether the dealers financing is a better package than your personal bank or finance company. If it isn't you can always leave a deposit for the vehicle and pick it up on a prearranged time and day. He will discuss dealer packages with you such as: undercoating, protection packages, added options, and an extended warranty contract. Dealers prices will vary, its good to know just how much undercoating and rust proofing can be purchased from local businesses.
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