“The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you’re not going to stay where you are.”
— John Pierpont Morgan
The time to put on your graduation cap is fast approaching and with it comes a new chapter of life. Change is a great thing; with each chapter you get to start over and improve yourself. So why not get rid of your old hand-me-down car and start fresh with a new ride. As you kick-start your career, having an efficient and reliable car will come in handy. Before you jump on the band wagon of purchasing a new car, here’s a checklist to help you purchase the right car:
Come up With a Budget
The college debt crisis is on the rise with the average student loan debt at $29,400. The last thing you need is digging deeper into debt by making a car purchase you can’t afford. Coming up with a budget will help you get a hold on your finances. When coming up with a budget consider all your financial responsibilities including:
- Mortgage/Rent
- Bills (Phone bill, utilities, insurance)
As a rule of thumb, avoid spending more than 20% of your monthly household income on a car.
Do your Research
Doing research will help you figure out if the car you’re eyeing has the qualities and features you’re looking for. Researching a car before buying is also a great way to save time by weighing your options and eliminating no-go’s. Here are a few features to focus on when researching to help narrow your search:
- Fuel Efficiency
- Resale Value
- Safety & size
- Price
Considering these features will help you figure out what makes a new car the best new car for you.
Buy Used
Buying used cars is becoming more popular especially among young adults. Times have changed and because of advancements in technology cars depreciate at a slower rate. You might not be able to buy a new sports car but you can still get a fun-to-drive car with low mileage and great fuel efficiency. Purchasing a used car will not only save you money but give you a chance to save for your dream sports car. Avoid buying cars that are more than three years old.
Schedule a Test Drive
Test driving a car is the most fun part of the car buying process. You will spend most of your time in the car so be sure to get really acquainted with the interior. Schedule several test-drives and give yourself time to get a sense of the car’s ride quality. Pay attention to the primary controls and the functionality of the interior features. Be sure to test-drive on different surfaces and at different speeds. This will help you determine if the car is the right fit for your lifestyle.
Take your time, ask a lot of questions and enjoy the buying process. Explore JT’s Chrysler Jeep Dodge vast inventory of new and used vehicles. Our team of experts will provide you with the guidance you need. You can find us at 5215 Sunset Boulevard, Lexington, SC 29072.
JT's Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Lexington & Columbia 