Do’s and Don’ts of Buying A Car In a Northern NJ Dealership

Oct 10, 2020

Buying a new car is one of life’s most exciting moments, but it can be overwhelming for some and expensive if you don’t know what you’re doing. You have to remember that buying a car is, first and foremost, a business transaction, even if feeling and preference play a significant role. Knowing the buying process is important, and we are here to explain them to you.

Keep reading to find out the dos and don’ts of buying a car in a Northern New Jersey dealership.

DO’s

Research Your Purchase

Information is a buyer’s best friend. Many websites have information about vehicles’ features and prices and all the options available, like safety and reliability ratings. Make sure you do your research before buying a new car. The internet is an excellent source to look at price, ratings, trade-in value, and even chat with owners of the vehicle you want in New Jersey.

Know Your Budget and Credit Score

It’s a vital step to know how much you can afford for a car, how much you can pay upfront, and how much you can afford each month for financing or leasing. Without knowing this, you’re going in blind and might end up with a nice car, but one you can’t afford. You need to take everything into account, like insurance cost, fuel, and maintenance costs, because these can add up. Take all of these factors into account when shopping for your next car.

Knowing your credit score is also important because it can help you figure out which financing or leasing options are available. Financing, leasing, and cashback deals typically vary by qualifying credit tier, so take some time to check your credit report and correct any errors so you can get the best deal possible.

Talk to Your Insurance

Make sure you talk to your insurance agent before buying a new car, as costs differ from car to car. Insurance companies offer many of the same products you’ll be offered at the dealer’s financing office, so you need to figure out which is best for you. Be sure to compare any products offered by your insurance company with those offered by the dealership. Keep in mind that dealership products can be included in your monthly payments.

Take a Test Drive

Before you decide to buy, take a test drive of the car you are considering. You will learn more in 10 minutes behind the wheel than from hours of research. Pay attention to the vehicle’s comfort, how it drives, and how well you can see out of all angles.

It’s important to drive the specific car you’re looking to buy, not just a similar one. Not every vehicle will drive the same. A test drive will allow you to do a more thorough inspection and help you identify any problems at the dealership before they become problems you need to fix. So make sure you take that wanted car out on the New Jersey streets.

Look for Deals

If sales are low at the dealership or the manufacturer is trying to clear inventory, many vehicles may have incentives to increase sales. These car deals are usually cashback offers, low-interest financing, or a mixture of both. So look for these deals! New Jersey offers excellent discounts and incentive rebates.

Be Prepared to Walk Away

If the deal you encounter isn’t cutting it for you, don’t be afraid to walk away. A buyer’s greatest power is the ability to walk away, but it’s also their greatest fear. Unless you’re looking at a car in such high demand that you won’t find it anywhere else, walking away is always an option. It can lead you to a better offer or deal, which in the end, is your goal. Also, make certain you are working with a dealership that values honesty and integrity. Don’t accept that poor treatment is just how the dealership business operates.

Find the Best Price for Your Car

Make sure to get upfront pricing on inventory when buying at a dealership. This will help you lock in guaranteed savings. You can also go online and see what others paid for the car you want. Just make certain you’re understanding all pricing considerations.

DON’TS

Forget It’s Just a Business Transaction

Buying a car can be an emotional experience, but make sure they don’t get in the way of getting a great deal. Be friendly but firm, and don’t be a jerk. Knowledge, friendliness, patience, and your ability to walk away are your best tools in the car buying process, and they can make the difference between getting a good and a great deal.

Look at Only the Monthly Payment

Many buyers focus only on the monthly payment, but that’s not the best way to buy a car. Make certain you understand all the payments that go into your payment. Look at the total cost of ownership, which includes interest payments and other fees. Focusing on monthly payments is ok as long as you are well aware of the number behind the total number. Think of the cost as a whole. The way to get this number is to multiply the monthly payment by the number of months in the loan and then add your down payment, plus taxes and fees.

Shop at Just One Dealer

You should always have a comparison before making a decision. New Jersey is home to many dealers. Go to a few, shop around, and make sure you get the best deal. You also need to make sure you find a dealer you can trust, so don’t be afraid to go to several before finding the right one for you. In this modern world, you don’t even have to go to many, use their website contacts to get offers.

Bring Your Kids Into the Finance Office

It’s important to see if your new ride is a good fit for your kids, but you’ll want to concentrate on the last step of the car buying process, which is the finance office. Focus on the documents you are signing, without any distractions.

Sign the Paperwork If There’s a Mistake

If you see something incorrect or don’t understand, don’t be afraid to speak up and ask it to be corrected before signing the paperwork. Not every dealer in New Jersey is out to gauge you, which is why it is important to find one you can trust. Make sure everything is up to your standard, and you are comfortable with it before signing the paperwork.

We hope these Dos and Don’ts will help you when deciding how to buy your next car. Remember, being knowledgeable about the process is the best thing you can do when buying a car in New Jersey or any other state. So get to researching!

Nutley Auto Kia offers great deals and is a dealership you can trust. We are a family-owned dealership that has been in the Nutley area for 15 years and we will treat you like one of our own. Check out www.nutleykia.net, call 973-241-3222, or come visit us at 66 Washington Avenue in Nutley, New Jersey.

Want to learn more about buying a car? Check out our blog posts

Guide To Buying Your First Car

Become an Educated Car Shopper in New Jersey

The Pros and Cons of Leasing Your Next Vehicle

Sources

https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/dos-and-donts-of-car-buying

https://www.consumerreports.org/buying-a-car/dos-and-donts-when-buying-a-car-from-a-dealer/