There's a first time for everything, and that means that for some of you, you might be looking for some tips for buying your first car. We know the process can be pretty scary and intimidating, but we at Bosak Honda of Michigan City are here to help.
Do Your Research
This may seem like an obvious tip, but it's very easily the most important. Do you want a Honda or a Hyundai? A Chevy or a Ford? A car, truck, SUV, minivan, crossover, or something else entirely?
Short of buying a home or going to college, buying a new car is one of the biggest expenditures a person can make, and you don't want to regret it. We know some drivers spend months researching what they want in a new car; others spend days or weeks. There's no hard and fast answer, but you need to be sure that the car you're going to buy is worth your time and money.
Be Wary of First Generation Models
New cars are becoming better and better due to increasing testing rigors, but it's generally been held as good advice to steer clear of the first or second model year of a brand new vehicle—if not the whole first generation entirely.
No matter how much engineering goes into it, there are few examples of more rigorous testing of a vehicle than sending thousands out into the world. And usually the automaker sees issues that pop up and fixes them for the next model year or generation.
Always Take a Test Drive
Again, this might seem obvious, but it is still important. When you take a test drive of a new car, don't just sit down, head around the parking lot, and head back.
Ask the sales associate if you can take it onto a higher speed road to see how it handles when you put the pedal down. Drive somewhere familiar so you can see how the new car is different from your current one. And don't just think that because you've taken it for a test drive that you have to buy it. Don't be afraid to leave and come back another time.
Ask an Expert
If you ever have any doubts about the car buying process, whether it's trading in an old vehicle, looking for a new one, or financing, one of the best things you can do is ask an expert. While you surely know someone who has bought a few new cars in their time, when we say an “expert,” we mean an auto dealer. Most auto dealerships are happy to answer any questions you have about just what the car buying process is like.
We suggest that you contact Bosak Honda in Michigan City and ask one of our sales team members any questions you might have about your new car search. We've helped out many drivers in the past and would love to help you out too.