Tips For Buying a Car

When getting ready to head to your Ford dealer in Costa Mesa, it’s important to be prepared. After all, a car is the second most expensive purchase someone can make (with the first being a home). You need to consider not only your budget, but your lifestyle requirements and aesthetic as well. Whether you’re searching for a Ford Edge in Costa Mesa or another vehicle, here are some things to keep in mind when buying a car.

Figure Out Your Budget

As a general rule of thumb, you should plan to spend no more than 25% of your monthly household income on every car in your household. This includes not just your monthly loan payment, but vehicle costs like car insurance and fuel as well. You should also factor in the costs of registration, maintenance tasks and repairs as well when figuring out how much car you can afford.

How Will You Buy?

There several different types of cars available to you when considering which one to go for. Do you want a car that’s brand new, or would you rather drive away in a certified pre-owned car? Do you want to take out a loan to ultimately own your car, or would you rather lease your vehicle instead? Weigh the pros and cons of each option and determine which better suits your budget and lifestyle needs.

Research Online

Before heading to the dealership, you should have an idea of what kind of car you want. Narrow down your choices to a few cars that meet your minimum specifications, such as safety features, budget, and tech features. Take a look at resources like Kelley Blue Book to learn more about each car’s official ratings and price ranges, as well as what past drivers have had to say about their experience with the vehicle.

Always Test Drive

Regardless of which car you have your eye on, you should always take it for a test drive before committing to a purchase. This will give you an idea of what it will be like to drive each day. Take the car on local roads as well as the highway, spend time adjusting the seats and experimenting with the controls, inspect the cargo space and be realistic when it comes to how comfortable you and your passengers will be.

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