How to Buy a New Car

Searching for a new vehicle to upgrade your Kendall commutes? While this is an exciting time in life, it can be intimidating. Whether you’ve had previous negative experiences with dealerships, or are a novice car-shopper and don’t know where to begin, Planet Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM is here to give you the best car-shopping experience possible! Read on as we go over how to buy a new car in Miami. 

When to Buy a New Car

Buying a new car is a major financial decision, so the best place to start is simply knowing when to buy a new car. If you find yourself meeting any of the criteria listed below, then it may be time to invest in a new vehicle: 

1. You’re always paying for expensive repairs which takes a toll on your wallet and your time. Eventually, you’ll find yourself paying more for repairs in a year than you would be paying for a new car. 
2. You haven’t felt safe driving your car. If you don’t feel comfortable taking your vehicle out on Hialeah roads, not only are you putting yourself in danger, but you’re also putting other drivers at risk. So, if you’ve ever questioned your car’s safety, it’s time for a replacement. 
3. Perhaps you were a recent college graduate when you first bought your car, but now you’re married with a growing family! Upgrade to a vehicle that will suit your new lifestyle such as the new Jeep Cherokee.
4. Does your car continually fail the emissions test? Servicing your car to meet those standards can be costly, so resorting to a new model may end up saving you money in the long term.

How to Find Your Ideal New Car

Now that you’ve decided it’s the right time to buy a car, where do you begin? One of the best places to start is setting a budget. Below is a step-by-step guide on what comes next:

1. Narrow your search. Evaluate your driving habits, how much space you need, as well as desired technology and safety features. Once you’ve created your checklist, start searching for models that fit these criteria.
2. Select your top three models, then start conducting thorough research. Look up their safety ratings, reliability, lifespan, etc. If you’re available, contact us to arrange a test drive in your top choices to see how they would feel on Miami Lakes roads. 
3. Once you’ve decided on the perfect vehicle, conduct a search on your local dealerships, request price quotes, and see what other customers have paid. 
4. If you’re looking for savings opportunities, consider shopping around major sales weekends or holidays such as Black Friday and Presidents Day. 

How to Afford a New Car

Now that you’ve decided on the car you want, it’s time to take a closer look at your budget. How much can you afford to spend on a car? While getting a new car is exciting, you don’t want to break the bank. So, it’s important to factor in the car’s price in conjunction with your other debts. 

According to U.S. News, your car payment should not put your monthly debts–including credit cards, student loans, rent, etc.–over a third of your monthly income. In addition to the car’s sticker price, you should take into account these additional expenses:

• New Car Sales Tax: Sales tax is a non-negotiable expense and is usually added to your car loan amount.
• Interest Rate: Your car’s interest rate will also impact its monthly payments, and the interest rate is largely determined by your credit score. If you have a higher credit score, you will have a lower interest rate, meaning your monthly payments will be lower. However, if you have a lower credit score, you may have a higher interest rate, increasing your monthly payments. You can get your free credit score here. 

• Trade-in Value: If you currently own a vehicle, you can trade it in for a new one. Many dealers will purchase the car from you, and apply that amount to your new car. If you still owe money on the current vehicle, the dealership will apply that remaining cost to the price of your new vehicle. Our online value your trade tool can offer you an instant appraisal of your vehicle. 

Luckily, you can reach out to our finance centerand we’ll help you determine which vehicles fit your budget. You can also apply for financing to get pre-approved, or you can utilize the payment calculator that will provide an estimate of your monthly payments. 

Shop with Planet Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM for Your New Car Today!

Now that you know how to buy a new car, visit Planet Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM today to get behind the wheel of your dream car! We even offer new car specials that will help cut costs on your new vehicle. Additionally, don’t forget to check out our customer testimonials that highlight why we’re one of the best new car dealerships in Miami!