Car Shopping Guide in Auburn, NY

Car Shopper's Guide to Finding the Right Vehicle in Auburn, NY

Do you want to buy a car in Auburn, New York? When making an investment as important as your next vehicle, it pays to have a plan, and we're to help you find just what you need at Fox CDJR. Let's go through each step of the car shopper's journey to help you prepare for the process.

Identify Your Needs

To get started, identify the essentials you need from your next vehicle. Car shoppers generally prioritize reliability, safety, and affordability, so keep these in mind for any vehicle you're looking at. There could be more factors that would make a vehicle better suited to your needs, so take into account how you drive, where you drive, and who you drive with. If you tend to travel with friends and family, then a large SUV or minivan can accommodate your crew with space and comfort. If you don't need the expanded passenger space, then you might enjoy the utility and versatility of a compact SUV or capable sedan. A truck is the obvious choice if you need to handle a lot of towing and hauling, while a vehicle with all-wheel drive and other off-roading gear would come in handy if you frequent the rough and rugged trails.

Set Your Budget

When preparing for a purchase as big as your next vehicle, you'll need to set a budget to avoid overspending. Planning a car budget will help you narrow down your list of potential models, and it can also prevent you from making a financial commitment outside of your comfort zone. Every car shopper has a different degree of financial flexibility, but conventional wisdom dictates that transportation expenses should stay within 15 percent of a driver's monthly income.

Consider the True Cost to Own

As you compare vehicle expenses with your budget, don't overlook all the details. You'll have to budget for more than the number on the price tag, as a car's true cost of ownership also includes fees, auto loan interest, car insurance, gas prices, and maintenance expenses. Even if a model's price tag appears to be within your budget, factoring in these additional costs will give you a better picture of its actual long-term expense.

Take a Test Drive

Even if certain models look good in your research, you'll need hands-on experience behind the wheel to see if they're really right for you. That's why test driving is an essential part of the shopping process, so plan to take your top two or three options for a test run. If you schedule your test drives in advance, you can also ensure that the models you like will be at the dealership and ready to go. As you take each test drive, ask yourself questions like these:

• Is the ride and interior comfortable?
• Do the steering and brakes inspire confidence?
• Are you confident in the way it accelerates, handles, and performs in general?
• Is your visibility obstructed by any serious blind spots?

Auto Financing

In case you aren't planning to pay the full price of a vehicle up-front, you can borrow the money you need from a trusted lender. By financing your purchase with an auto loan, you're able to bring home the vehicle you want and set up a reasonable plan for repaying the lender over time. To apply for financing, you'll provide the potential lender with details about your credit and income, and they'll use that info to decide how much money they'll let you borrow. To repay the auto loan, you'll make monthly payments plus interest over a set period - usually 36, 48, or 60 months.

Depending on your situation, you might be able to access certain loan types with unique benefits. A first-time car buyer's loan offers perks like a lower down payment or waived application fees, while other auto loans might yield a lower interest rate, lower monthly payments, and more. Be sure to ask our finance team about what finance options are available for your purchase.

How to Choose the Right Car

When your research and test drives are complete, you should have all you need to make an informed decision. If you get to this point and find it hard to choose between a couple of highly qualified options, then it might come down to a matter of personal preference. Look for any details that give one model the advantage. Did one offer more engaging performance than the other, or does it come with more features that your passengers will enjoy? Which one suits your sense of style more? Ultimately, which vehicle do you think you'll enjoy driving more for years down the road?

Find Your Next Vehicle at Fox CDJR

Our team is standing by to help you along every step of the way, so call or come see us at Fox CDJR to see what we can do for you. We're ready to help you save on your next vehicle at our dealership located at 346 Grant Avenue Road, Auburn, New York 13021.