A car purchase is not as momentous a decision as buying a house, but in terms of monthly expenses, it can get to be just as consequential. If you're on a tight budget, you can even knock down the cost of purchase further by opting for a second-hand car. Several trustworthy car dealerships in New Orleans, and the surrounding areas, offer a wide range of quality used cars to choose from, making it possible for cash-strapped buyers to own a fine car, with many years going for it under the hood.
There is another way to go about saving on your car purchase. If you already own a car, it is possible to defray the costs of your second-hand purchase by trading in your old one. Know the value of your vehicle beforehand, to get a good price for the exchange. Blogger Jessica Gardner offers this tip to help you get a fair appraisal on your trade-in:
"Take your car to Carmax where they will appraise your car and make you a no-obligation written offer. You'll have 7 days to accept the offer and sell it to them for cash or a trade-in OR you can use that written offer as a negotiating tool with other car dealers. At a minimum, this will give you an idea of what sort of downpayment you might have or, if your car is in great condition, you may be able to get enough for it to ultimately pay cash for your new car. Make sure to read all of the Carmax' tips on what to bring, the FAQs, and watch their videos on the appraisal process."
Setting Expectations
Knowing how much you can get for your old car will help you be able to set a budget. This will determine how much you will be spending for your purchase, whether it be with cash on hand or loans. The other thing to consider is your baseline criteria on the kind or type of automobile you want, as well as the factors you believe will stop you from buying it; this can range from the lack of ABS (anti-lock brake system) or the car being of an older model. Be guided by this yardstick when making your final choice.
Doing Research
With your initial criteria, it should be relatively easier for you to look for the vehicle you want from the wide inventory of car brands and models at your local car dealerships. Online research on what to expect out of the process and a visit to new and used car dealerships in Covington, LA, such as Baldwin Subaru, should ultimately yield something fruitful in the end, with a satisfactory purchase.
Know the fair price of the car you're interested in, and start from there. If things go well, a mechanical inspection should soon follow to see if the car you want is as fit as it looks. If it passes your own criteria, don't waste time to close the deal.
(Source: 12 Tips for Buying a Used Car, Chicago Now, April 16, 2014)
