In the Market for a New Vehicle? Important Questions to Ask Yourself

The spring is a popular time for purchasing a new vehicle. A lot of used car dealers and Toyota dealerships plan for spring sales to push out this year?s inventory. A lot of people are also in the market for a new or used vehicle, after a long winter of damage to our vehicles. Car shopping can be overwhelming, as there are so many options to choose from. What brand should you purchase? Where should you purchase it from? How much should you spend? What features are important in a used vehicle? These are all car buying questions that will run through your head during the car buying process.

Should you buy new or used?

This is one of the most common questions of those looking to purchase a vehicle. Should you buy something that is new or used? Most auto dealers and Toyota dealerships have lots with both types of vehicles. Although new vehicles do run more expensive, the monthly payments are very similar to that of a used vehicle. You will want to consider a few things when making this decision, including your credit score, your income, and your price range. Do not get caught up in monthly payment amounts. It is also important to understand what price you are paying for the vehicle.

Is there a vehicle warranty?

Vehicle warranties can be a lifesaver. According to HIS Markit research, more than 20 million vehicles on the road in 2021 will be over 25 years old. The older and more miles that a vehicle has on it, the more mechanical problems that vehicle will have. You do not want to get stuck in the purchase of used vehicles to end up paying for something that requires a lot of work. Certified used cars and vehicle warranties protect you from this. Most warranties cover the used cars for sale for a specific time frame or amount of miles. Purchasing a used vehicle with a warranty can sometimes make more sense than going with a brand new vehicle. In 2016 alone, certified pre owned sales reached a record 2.6 million units.

What type of vehicle is best for your driving?

Now that you have decided if you will purchase a new or used vehicle, your budget, and if certification is important to you, you will want to choose a vehicle maker. You might even have a specific model that you are interested in purchasing. This is important in the buying process, because it is sometimes necessary to go to a specific dealership. Toyota dealerships, for example, will carry the greatest inventory of Toyota vehicles, both new and used.

If you have no idea what type of vehicle you desire, it can be helpful to view multiple ones before making your decision. Also, consider your driving habits and how many people are in your family. If you have numerous children, a larger van or sport utility vehicle may be helpful. If you want something that is sportier, certain brands will give you the most options. Additionally, if you live in a four season state, something like an all wheel drive vehicle might be required for safe driving.

How will you pay for the vehicle?

Payment is an important factor to consider, even when it comes to used vehicles. A lot of used car dealerships will offer financing for used cars, as long as it is a certain amount. That specific amount will depend on the dealership and who they use for financing. Toyota dealerships will vary from other dealers. However, you can usually get a financing decision within a matter of minutes, once you have your desired used vehicle in mind.

Used vehicles tend to be the most popular car choice today. Between dealership sales and private party transactions, nearly 40 million used cars exchange hands each year. If you are taking advantage of the many spring vehicle deals, you will want to evaluate your car needs. This includes choosing between a new or used vehicle, creating a budget, deciding on certification, and understanding financing. Figuring all of these factors out ahead of time will ensure that your car buying experience is simple and fast.