What Should I Do Before I Buy A New Car? | Kennesaw, Canton and Holly Springs GA and Elmhurst IL
What Should I Do Before I Buy A New Car from Perrin Auto Group?
Here at Perrin Auto Group, we understand that purchasing a new car is a big decision. Before you sign the dotted line, there are a few things you should do. To take the proactive approach and come fully prepared for the car-buying process, follow the following tips and tricks!
Get Pre-Approved
First and foremost, you have to get pre-approved for credit. This gives you insight into your spending power, which will assist you in crafting your budget. Our finance team recommends putting 20 percent down, limiting your loan term to no more than 60 months and maintaining your monthly payments below 10 percent of your monthly income. These numbers can change based on your particular credit score and history. No matter what, make sure you include annual maintenance costs and insurance in your configuration — these payments can add up to a large, unexpected sum if not accounted for! Ready to get pre-approved? Visit the website for the Perrin Auto Group dealership nearest you to start your application.
Research
Once you’ve gotten the pre-approval process out of the way, you can conduct research into the ever-changing car market. You heard that right — the prices of vehicles can vary month over month! This is why it’s crucial to look into our inventory, manufacturers' websites and third-party websites such as Kelley Blue Book® and Edmunds. Utilize all three avenues and get a clear understanding of where your dream models stand in the market. Compare prices, make a list of must-have features and look up awards and safety ratings for the vehicles you’re considering.
Value Your Trade
If you decide to trade in your current vehicle for one of our new models, you could lower your future monthly payments! Many of our dealerships within the Perrin Auto Group also offer an online trade-in estimator, so you can enter your vehicle’s information and receive an estimate of your vehicle’s value from the comfort of your couch. Bring this quote to the dealership and a member of our team will verify it in person. Finally, you’ll receive a cash offer that you can either take home or place toward your next vehicle purchase.
Test-Drive
Don’t just judge a car by its appearance on a screen; take it for a test drive and experience it firsthand! This is the most fun part of the whole process, and you want to make sure you take as much time as you need to assure yourself that the model is the perfect fit for you. Do you enjoy how the vehicle drives? Does the model include all the features that are on your must-have list? Keep all of this in mind when you take it for a spin with one of our team members. We can also answer any questions you may have along the way!