10 Important Questions To Consider When Buying A Vehicle

So you’ve decided to buy a vehicle. Depending on the make and model you choose to purchase, it will likely be a significant investment. With so much economic uncertainty, it can be hard to determine if you should buy a new Kia in Santa Ana or used Kia cars from Santa Ana. Either way, several Kia dealerships across Santa Ana can help guide you towards making the right choice based on your financial means.

Before you set out to find your next set of wheels, there are some essential questions to ask yourself that could save you time and money.

1.What features do I want or need?

Any time you are looking to get a car, it is essential to consider any necessary features to have to feel confident driving your car. If you are getting a car right from a KIA dealership in Santa Ana, you’ll have the option to add various features to boost your car’s performance and look. If you plan to take a lot of road trips or use your vehicle for you, you may want to consider adding a Bluetooth system to the car to answer calls safely while on the road. There are also some features that you may want to remove from the vehicle, like heated seats. Living in California, where the temperatures typically don’t get that cold, you could probably do without that feature in exchange for something more useful like a rearview camera.

2.How much are you willing to pay?

When determining how much you can afford to spend on a new Kia in Santa Ana, it’s essential to know how much your vehicle is worth. In some cases, knowing how much a car is worth can give you the ammunition needed to negotiate a better rate with the dealer. Remember not to get caught up with the deals being offered, as it could deter you from finding a car that better suits your needs.

3.Have you done any research?

This may be an obvious step, but you’ll want to do some research ahead of time to save you a lot of time and money when shopping for a car. Consumer Reports is a helpful website that can provide you with some great, reliable information about which vehicle you’re considering. For example, if you know the actual price for that Kia Optima in Santa Ana you’ve been eyeing, you increase your chances of getting a better price. Consumer Reports allows you to check out the invoice prices and see how much the dealer has paid the manufacturer for that car. You can use that information to help you negotiate a better price.

4.What operating costs am I responsible for?

Think about your habits as a driver. How often do you take your car to be serviced, and how much do you typically pay. Understanding your maintenance habits can help you determine the type of car you want to get. Keeping in mind that warranties are there to help you when unexpected problems occur. You’ll still want to determine the type of coverage you may like to have added to your deal.

5.What is my budget?

It doesn’t matter what car dealer you visit. They will do their best to make your car purchase a smooth process. Remember, they are in the business of making money, and most car salesmen and women work off commission. A deal for you is a win for them. Financing is another option that can help you drive home with your car sooner rather than later. If you’re in a situation where you’ve saved up most of your money, look for car dealers offering 0% financing to help boost your chances of driving off the lot with your dream car.

6.Should I buy or lease?

A common question that faces many drivers is whether you should buy or lease a car. Depending on your financial situation, you may not have the capital needed to buy a car out-right. If you expect to put a lot of mileage on your car, leasing may not be the route you want to take. In most cases, you will be required to stay under a specific mileage limit when under a leasing contract. While leasing a car offers you peace of mind knowing that most expenses are covered under warranty. On the other hand, buying a car won’t always provide you peace of mind, but it can result in a better deal.

7.What kind of power do I want?

Your vehicle may tick off all your must-have boxes, but what happens if you test drive the vehicle and your feelings about it change. While any new Kia in Santa Ana comes with its learning curve process, you still want to ensure you feel comfortable behind the wheel. What if the car you want isn’t green? Would that be a deal-breaker for you? While you’ll save money at the pumps, electric or hybrid vehicles can sometimes cost you more upfront.

8.What is the trade-in value of my current vehicle?

Depending on the car and model, the resale value differs. Before finalizing your vehicle’s purchase, it’s a good idea to look into its resale value online. Look up what will help you determine the previous make and model of the car you are interested in to see what the resale value would be.

Doing your research is probably the best advice to remember when looking to purchase a car. The biggest mistake you could make is heading to the dealer unprepared. No matter how much you end up spending on your vehicle, you must prepare yourself with as much information ahead of time as possible. By doing this, you can avoid ending up driving away with an option you’ll regret. During the planning phase, ask yourself the above questions, and you’ll not only be well on your way to making an informed decision, but you’ll also be in a great position to handle negotiations.