Searching for that perfect new car for your Clearwater commutes? This is an exciting time, but it may not feel that way to you! Whether you’re frustrated with poor dealership experiences or just don’t know where to begin, many car shoppers find themselves soured by the experience when they finally drive off the lot. Fortunately, St. Pete Mitsubishi is here for you with tips on how and when to buy a new car. We want to send you home to St. Petersburg with a smile on your face!
When to Buy a New Car
It’s a hefty financial decision, so the best place to start is simply knowing whether it’s time to buy a new car. Here’s how you’ll know it’s time to take that leap:
- You constantly find yourself paying for expensive repairs, impacting both your wallet and your time. At some point, you’ll be paying more for repairs in a year than you would for a new car.
- You’ve felt unsafe driving your car. Need we say more? The last thing you want is to get in an accident, so if you’ve ever questioned your car’s safety, it’s time to say farewell.
- Perhaps you were a bachelor/bachelorette when you first bought your car, but now you find yourself married with a baby on the way! You may want to consider upgrading to a small SUV with advanced safety features.
- Is your car failing emissions tests? Getting it up to snuff can be costly, and opting for a newer model may save you money in the long run.
How to Find Your Ideal New Car
You’ve decided the time is right to buy a new car, but where to begin? A good place to start is to set a budget and stick to it. If you have trouble, our finance center is happy to help you find a budget and payment plan that works. Below is a step-by-step guide on what comes next:
- Narrow your search. Consider your driving habits, cargo space requirements, and desired technology and safety features, then start searching for models that meet your needs.
- Pick your top three models, then research your top choices’ safety ratings, reliability, lifespan, etc. If you have the time, take a test drive in each model to learn how they handle on Largo streets.
- When you’ve decided on a final choice, do a local search to see your dealership options and request price quotes, and be sure to research what other shoppers have paid.
- Take into consideration any big upcoming sale weekends or holidays that might come with really good deals, like Black Friday or Presidents Day.
Once you’ve completed the above process, it’s time to head to your dealership of choice to make it official!
How to Afford a New Car
You’ve decided on the car you want, now it’s time to take a closer at your budget. How much can you afford to spend on a car? While getting a new car is exciting, it’s important to factor in the cost of the vehicle in conjunction with your other debts. According to U.S. News, your car payment should not put your monthly debts–including credit cards, student loans, rent, etc.–over a third of your monthly income. When you purchase a new car, you should also keep in mind these additional costs that will be tacked on:
- New Car Sales Tax: This tax is non-negotiable and is typically added to your car loan amount.
- Interest Rate: Your car’s interest rate will also impact your monthly payments. If your rate is lower, then your monthly payment will be lower. However, it’s important to note that you only receive a lower interest rate if you qualify, and not all drivers qualify based on their credit score.
- Trade-in Value: If you currently own a car, you can trade it in for the new one you want. While most dealers will purchase the car from you and apply that amount to your new car, if you still owe money on your current vehicle, the dealership will tack that remaining cost onto the new vehicle price. Our online value your-trade tool can give you an instant appraisal of your current vehicle.
Luckily, you can contact our finance department and we’ll help you determine what kind of vehicle fits your budget. You can also utilize our online tools like the finance application to get instant approval, as well as the payment calculator that will provide you with an estimate of what your new car’s monthly payments will be.
Discover Your New Car at St. Pete Mitsubishi in Seminole!
There are lots of great models in stock now at St. Pete Mitsubishi, like the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and the Mitsubishi Outlander. When you’re ready, contact us to ask about a specific model or set up a test drive. Our rotating new vehicle specials will help you find a new car at a price you feel great about. We look forward to serving you!
