Buying a car "fresh off the lot" is a goal for many, and has somehow become a rite of passage in the American psyche. Once we get to the point in our career where we feel secure enough to be able to afford a new car, we begin to consider the possibility. A new car is more than a status symbol, it also acts as a validation that we have "made it," an endorsement of some measure of our success.
While some people are content to buy and drive secondhand cars throughout their driving days, most people will purchase a new car at least one time in their lives. Others are convinced that buying new is the only way to buy a car and they will do so time and again every few years.
Before you even begin to think too deeply about buying a new car, take some time to consider why you want to buy a new car. If you have a partner, you'll want to think this decision through first--and then go to them with the idea. Expect some healthy questioning from them about the reasons you want to buy a new car, and be willing to negotiate and possibly compromise for a Certified Nissan or a pre-owned vehicle.
As you go through this preliminary brainstorming step, you will want to determine why you want to buy a new car. There are a myriad of good reasons to do so, but some of the primary reasons are listed below:
Once you have determined that you want to buy a new car (and why you do), you are ready to move along to the next step:
Only you can decide how much you can afford to pay for a new car. The desire to own a new car can not be allowed to overwhelm the practical considerations of your budget. Take off the rose-colored glasses, now is the time to take a brutally honest look at your finances.
Many financial experts state that you should spend no more than 30% of your net income on a monthly car payment. To determine what that number is, you'll need to figure your total net income (take home pay after taxes) and then subtract all your fixed expenses. The remaining amount is your net spendable income. By figuring that out, you can then determine what 30% will be in dollars and cents.
While you are working this out, be aware that there will be costs over and above the price of the car itself that will need to be factored in such as insurance, sales taxes, licensing fees, and possibly dealer fees payable at the time of purchase.
In addition to the budgetary considerations, you'll now also want to take a close look at your lifestyle before shopping for a new car. Job security and life stability should come into play before you decide to buy a new car. For example, if you are new on the job or having difficulties in your marriage, your financial future may be changing soon. Before signing a contract for payments for the next several years, be absolutely sure that your career and lifestyle will be able to support such a decision.
Once you know how much you can reasonable afford for a new car, it is time to do some shopping, with your eyes only. Now is the time to see what is out there in your price range, and which makes and models will best suit your needs. Make a list of models and features you want to consider and then do some searching. Feel free to come in and look around, we have a no pressure attitude at Country Nissan. You will find window shopping at Country Nissan fun and enjoyable
The time spent on this step narrows the field of cars you are interested in, and brings you to the next invaluable step:
Hopefully, by this time you have decided on an affordable price range, and have narrowed it down to the model to concentrate on through the research process. This is the time to bring out all your study and research skills.
Once all your background research has been compiled, you'll want to consider the next step:
Top New Cars: Buying Online or at the Dealership?
Once you contact Country Nissan we will locate the car of your choice. You will find this particularly useful if you have little time to go from dealer to dealer, we will do the legwork for you. Country Nissan has access to a network of dealers and dealer tools not available to the general public to search for vehicles both new and used not yet available for retail. Vehicles like lease turn ins or vehicles coming in on trade and not listed on our websites. Along with other manufacturer intranet websites we have the tools to find the car you want.
For most car shoppers, the trip to a dealership is recommended. If you have seriously crunched your budget and have a firm price in mind, and if you have done your research, you should anticipate a successful buying trip. At Country Nissan we want to make the process of buying a car as easy as possible for both parties involved.
Remember that if at any time you feel overwhelmed by the experience, or begin to feel as though you are being treated dishonestly, discourteously, or unfairly?walk away. There are many car dealerships to choose from. If, however, you are being treated right, it is time to move along to the next step:
Top New Cars: How the Car Salesperson Can Help
Once at Country Nissan, you will be greeted by a salesperson to show you the new Nissan's we offer. The initial contact with that salesperson is likely to dictate how the entire transaction will be conducted. Their job is to ask some opening questions to ascertain what type of vehicle you are shopping for and in what price range. Your job is to come across as a qualified, educated consumer. If you are adamant about buying a particular model, let them know that right away; if not, tell them which type of vehicle and your price range. Now is also the time to let them know if you have any specific requirements, such as 4-wheel drive or automatic transmission.
The salesperson will guide you to the specific model you are interested in, or some comparable models. Every car will have a "window sticker" that lists the features of that particular car. Now would be a good time to pull out your research file to compare the cars' listings with your list of predetermined choices. Review the equipment offered on each vehicle until you find a suitable match.
Once you are satisfied that you have found a car that appeals to you, has the features you are looking for, and is within your price range, it is time to move on to the next step:
Top Schedule a Road Test
No one would ever consider buying a new car without taking it out for a spin. At Country Nissan we expect you to want to drive the car, and we let you get behind the wheel and onto the street.
Country Nissan will schedule appointments for a test drive over the phone or through email. Remember to bring with you your driver's license and current registration (if you are trading in a vehicle).
If you are already at Country Nissan, and become interested in a certain vehicle, take a few minutes to sit in the vehicle. Check to see if the car "fits" you. Does the car provide maximum visibility from the front, sides and the rear? Are all controls within easy reach? Is the driver's seat comfortable and suitable for long-distance driving? Now is the time to pay particular attention to creature comforts; the bottom line should be whether you feel safe and comfortable.
When you find a car that suits you, take it for a test drive. Understand that the salesperson will be going along for the ride. Normally, the salesperson will drive the car off the lot and take you on a routine route. At some point, they will pull over and allow you to get behind the wheel.
Take the time to get comfortable behind the wheel before pulling out from the curb. Adjust your seats and mirrors to provide maximum visibility for your body, and familiarize yourself with the location of critical features such as: the horn, turn signals, windshield wipers, emergency flashers, and parking brake. As you begin to drive, reach over and turn off any music system; you will want to listen to the engine and be able to hear any unusual noises.
If your style of driving includes anything out of the norm, ask that you be allowed to duplicate that to see how it will handle. Always take a car onto the highway to determine the strength of acceleration; test the braking system; and drive up hills to check out the engine capacity.
Once you get back to the dealership, you can get down to "brass tacks" if you are ready to buy the car. If you are ready to seal the deal, you are ready for the next step:
Top New Cars: Making the Commitment
So, you've found the car of your dreams at Country Nissan, with all the features you want at the price you want to pay. What comes next? Actually the steps leading to the moment of commitment is for many people, the most difficult. This is the time when you will hammer out the price of the car. It is also the time to discuss financing with your salesperson if you haven't already arranged private financing.
In most cases, the salesperson will create a worksheet where they will write down the particulars of the car being negotiated and will probably pencil in their first price. Both parties expect a certain amount of negotiation at this point. After making your initial offer, the salesperson may counter offer or they may remove themselves to discuss your offer with the sales manager. At some point, they will come back to you with another offer; after all, they are in the business of selling cars.
Relax, and don't feel pressured to accept any deal that you are not completely comfortable with. While some consumer advocates encourage buyers to stage some theatrics should the deal not be coming together as well or quickly as you had envisioned, it doesn't usually help to threaten to leave or walk away from a pending deal. Instead, stay calm and restate your offer.
Once you strike the deal, it is time to review the paperwork and the official contract. If you are financing through the dealership, be sure to understand all the conditions. Read through all forms very carefully. Question the salesperson or finance manager on each and every item that you do not fully understand. Only when you are absolutely, positively certain that you understand all aspects of the contract should you sign the papers.
At some point the time will come when you need to pull out your checkbook.
Write the check for the agreed upon down payment and make copious notes on the check itself, including the VIN number of the purchased vehicle.
Now that you have taken the big step, there is another step to take:
Top New Cars: Before You Drive Away
You've filled out the paperwork, signed the contact, written a check for the down payment, and you may even be holding a new set of keys, but there are still a couple of things to do before taking official ownership.
One critical thing to do is to verify the car's vehicle identification number (VIN). If you haven't written it down and brought it into the sales office with you, be sure to take the time now to match up the VIN on all your paperwork to both the sticker on the car and the actual VIN located on the car itself.
Inspect the vehicle one more time, looking for any blemishes or imperfections that you may not have noticed during the test drive. If there are problems, have the dealer write down the list of items to be repaired, and insist that those repairs be completed by the service department within 30 days and paid for by the dealer. Get all of these details in writing (with signatures) before leaving.
Once these last minute details are in order, you are ready to move along to the final step:
Top New Cars: After the Sale
Buying a new car is not an easy task for most people; it can be time consuming, stressful and expensive. However, if you have followed the steps in this guide, you will have eliminated some of the classic pitfalls that can befall an inexperienced car shopper. Educating yourself, setting a price you can afford, and understanding the entire buying process goes a long way to make the buying experience much more positive and may even eliminate the possibility of any buyer's remorse.
Taking possession of a new car is an exhilarating and exciting time. Pride of ownership and the accomplishment of having made the deal create a sense of near euphoria. To best enjoy that remarkable feeling there is only one thing left to do, go for a drive in your brand new Nissan.
