Saturday, September 11, 2010

What Do I Need to Know When Purchasing a Car?

Buying a car is one of the most important decisions the average person will make in his or her life lifetime. The type of car you buy can affect your safety as well as the number of people you can transport or the amount of cargo you can haul. It is important to have as much information as possible before purchasing a car to ensure that you make an informed decision.

What is the Vehicle's History?

    If you are buying a used car, it is imperative that you are aware of the vehicle's history, such as any accidents it has been involved in and other events that may have damaged the car. Sellers of used cars may be reluctant to divulge history information if they think it will drive customers away. CARFAX is a vehicle history reporting service that is able to provide information on crash history of cars based on the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

What do I Need out of My Car?

    It is important to know exactly what you plan to use a car for before buying it. The features of the car should fit your needs and preferences. For instance, if you simply plan to use the car for commuting to work, a small sedan with good gas mileage might be a good choice. On the other hand, if you need to transport children or carry large amounts of cargo, a van or truck might be a better fit.

How much Car I Afford?

    Salesmen specialize at getting people to buy more than they want or need. It is important to determine your budget for a car ahead of time and stick to the budget so that you do not stretch yourself financially. Consider leasing a car if you like having the newest and best technology. When you lease, you pay a monthly fee to use a car instead of buying it outright. Leasing can be a costly option, but buying new cars every few years to upgrade to newer models can also be very expensive.

Warranties

    New cars typically come with a manufacturer's warranty that covers various mechanical failures the car might suffer. It is important to be aware of all the warranties that apply to the car and how they compare with other vehicles. For instance, one car might have a five-year power train warranty while another might have a 10-year warranty. If you purchase the car with a shorter warranty and the engine fails, you might be stuck with a costly repair bill. Some car dealers also offer special deals, such as free oil changes and discounts, if you bring the car back for maintenance after you buy it.

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