Pro Car Buying Tips and Tricks – Atlanta, GA

Whether you’re looking for a brand new Buick SUV or are hoping to shop through a wide selection of used trucks, everyone looking to purchase a new or used vehicle has to go through the long buying process. While plenty of the steps can be exciting, such as test driving the potential new car, and browsing through a showroom, there are a handful of hurdles along the way that have been known to intimidate car buyers from embarking on the journey altogether. That said, car buying doesn’t have to be an intimidating process. Sure, buying a new car can be a serious commitment, but it if you understand the details, you can come out of the other end behind the wheel of a car that will give you a thrilling driving experience from the moment you take it off of the lot.

Finding the Right Fit

Before you rush down to a dealership to shop for a car, and long before you sign any paperwork, you should first do the research and find a vehicle that matches you. There are plenty of factors that go into determining the right vehicle, and they vary from person to person. Three of possibly the most significant factors are body type, manufacturer, and engine type.

When it comes to body type, chances are you’ll have plenty to choose from. Some of the numerous body types you can expect to find at a dealership include trucks, coupes, sports cars, SUVs, sedans, convertibles, crossovers, vans, and hatchbacks. In many ways, the body type you choose for your vehicle can determine your overall driving experience, as certain body types specialize in particular kinds of driving. For instance, if you purchase a used truck, chances are you’re looking for something with plenty of utility and power beneath the hood. On the other hand, if you want something that sips fuel and acts as an excellent daily commuter car, a sedan or hatchback might be the better choice.

It is also worthwhile to look at the manufacturer that is designing the car. Take, for example, GMC is a great brand to choose if you’re looking for SUVs, utility vans, or trucks. Alternatively, Buick is an excellent choice for drivers who expect comfort, a degree of luxury, and plenty of modern features in their vehicle. While the body type and manufacturer can both play a huge role in the look of the car, engine type can affect the feel of the car from behind the wheel. On any given used vehicle lot, however, you will not be limited to one or two makes, you will have a wide selection that can cover anything from Alfa Romeo to Volvo and the selection will change daily.

Engines vary just as dramatically as the cars that they power, that said there are three significant varieties to choose from, four-cylinder, V6 and V8 engines. The different engine types are defined as such by the number of cylinders that provide power to the vehicle. The number of cylinders can relate directly to the horsepower, torque, and fuel economy of a vehicle. Typically, engines with a greater cylinder count tend to require more fuel, and as a result, can bring down overall fuel efficiency. At the same time, these extra cylinders can do a lot for your vehicle’s horsepower and torque ratings. Many used trucks are built for towing and handling backroads like a pro, their engines are going to be more powerful and will typically be less fuel efficient. While an SUV can tow and handle backroads depending on the specific model, you are bound to see better fuel efficiency and more interior cargo space than a truck.

Determining the ideal body type, manufacturer, and engine type of your vehicle can make the car buying process simpler and at the same time help you drive away in something that you are completely satisfied with.

Navigating Through the Test Drive

Once you’ve decided on the kind of vehicle that you’re looking for, whether it be a brand new Buick or a used GMC truck, your next step is testing cars out. Sure, you can purchase a vehicle without taking it for a test drive, but then you run the risk of picking up something that you don’t particularly enjoy driving. At the same time, if you don’t pay attention during your test drive, you can end up in the same boat.

So, how do you take a good test drive? Well, before you even sit behind the wheel, you should list off the kind of features you’re looking for. During your test drive, you should take this time to ask your sales representative any questions about the vehicle that come to mind; they are you’re number one resource in learning more about the vehicle. You should also take the vehicle on a drive you either do on a regular basis or are familiar with. As a result, you can focus less on the drive and more on the car.

If you are test driving a used truck and you want to know how it handles, take it over a dirt or bumpy road. Listen to the vehicle to see if it is making any strange sounds, press on the brakes to see if there are any weird vibrations or if it is too sensitive or not sensitive enough, and play around with all of the different buttons and controls. All of these can show or indicate problems or just a potential nuisance that might bother you further down the line. Once you’ve finished the test drive, and have found the car that you enjoy, the next step is to sit down with a sales representative and discuss the price.

Getting Your Finances in Order

Possibly the most intimidating step of the car buying process is when the time comes to talk money with your dealer. That said the discussion of finances doesn’t have to be nearly as daunting as it may first seem. One thing you can do before, to make this step easier is to figure out what you can afford ahead of time. Calculate your current expenses, and from that gauge how much you can afford to pay on a monthly basis. Proper budgeting can go a long way in helping you make a deal that can leave you completely satisfied.

Another thing worth deciding on before you even visit the dealership is if you should invest in a new or used, or certified pre-owned car. New cars are often the most expensive option; however, being brand new, these cars are in the best condition possible. On the other hand, certified pre-owned vehicles are used cars that have been thoroughly inspected and refurbished by either a dealership or manufacturer. These vehicles can feel like new, even if they’ve had previous owners. Lastly, used cars are the cheapest alternative, and are pre-owned vehicles that haven’t received certification from either a dealership or manufacturer. By deciding what option fits best ahead of time, you can decrease the risk of getting locked into a financial commitment that doesn’t fit your needs.

Lastly, it is worthwhile to save up a sizeable down payment before going into a dealership in the first place. While you can sign off on an auto loan without a down payment, chances are you’ll have to agree to an auto loan with a higher interest rate and a greater monthly burden. A down payment can also potentially lower the length of your auto loan term. Many experts recommend that car buyers put aside at least 20% of the car’s value for a down payment to receive the best results.

Buying New or Used at Rick Hendrick Buick GMC of Duluth

One of the best things you can do to make the most out of your car buying experience is to find a dealership that has your best interest in mind, and at Rick Hendrick Buick GMC you’ll find just that. Having a great dealership by your side can make all the difference between driving away in the new or used truck, SUV, or sedan of your dreams and you feeling unsatisfied with your purchase. At Rick Hendrick Buick GMC, our team will walk you through every step of the car buying process and help you find the vehicle that can provide you with the best driving experience. Contact us today.