Harrisonburg New Car Buying: 7 Insider Tips to Make the Process A Breeze
Whether you buy a new car every few years or once in a decade, there are always a few guidelines you want to follow consistently. One of the most important Harrisonburg new car buying points we can stress as a Harrisonburg car dealership is to be informed!
We love it when customers have done their homework and know exactly what they want. Here are our 7 tips to get you behind the wheel of your new vehicle quickly and easily.
Know What You Like and Dislike About Your Current Car or truck
You’ve had the vehicle for a long time so know what you want upgraded in your next car. Is it better fuel economy? More technology? Whatever it is you want, make a list!
Knowing what features you love and want to keep, as well as what you want to upgrade will guide you toward your next vehicle.
Know Your Vehicle’s Value
This is critical to the car-buying process! Your vehicle’s value affects how much cash you’ll need to for your next vehicle transaction. For example, if you still owe on your vehicle, you’ll need to subtract the outstanding balance from the vehicle’s current value. If you owe more on the car than it’s currently worth, you may want to wait before getting a new vehicle.
If you no longer have a car loan, the vehicle still has value! Use the Kelley Blue Book to determine the value, if you plan to sell it outright. Or, if you plan to trade it in, use their trade-in value to find out exactly the amount you can expect.
Yes, Opinions Count!
Before you buy a vehicle, find out what experts and consumers have to say about the vehicle you want to purchase. Check Buyers’ Guides, car review videos, and comparison tests. Save yourself the heartache of buying the wrong car! That’s worse than paying too much for the right car.
Know Your Monthly Payment
Know how much you can afford to put down and the monthly payment that works for your budget. These two pieces of information coupled with the current trade-in value of your vehicle are central to an overall good buying experience!
Financing and Pre-Qualifying for A Loan
Financing has come a long way! Today, Joe Bowman offers a wide range of financing options that compete with interest rates and terms from local banks. Additionally, when you finance directly through our Harrisonburg VA dealership, there is less wait time to get into your new vehicle.
However, if you choose to finance through your bank, that’s fine, too! Our dealership most definitely works with local banks and we have an excellent reputation! Just remember, that with a third party, paperwork takes a little longer.
But if you want the same great interest rate (or better!) and don’t want to wait for additional paperwork to process, consider dealer financing. And for those that qualify, GM offers 0% financing!
Make the Transaction in Person or Online
Whether you’re shopping for new or used cars, today’s consumer has more options than ever before on how to buy. Perhaps the biggest change in car buying is the ability to reserve, then buy a vehicle online.
With our Shop. Click. Drive program, you can do exactly that! Go to our website and shop from the convenience of your home.
Simply choose the vehicle you want, fill out the form online, then schedule a time to sign and take delivery. The beauty of this program is that you are not obligated to buy until you test drive, then sign for the vehicle.
Review Everything with the Finance Department
Once you’ve found your vehicle, made an agreement on your trade-in (if you have one), and reached financing terms, it’s important to review all the terms once again with the finance manager.
It’s important that all parties are literally on the same page! At Joe Bowman Chevrolet, we take great care to ensure that you know and agree to all the terms of the sale.
The bottom line for new car buying is this: the more knowledgeable and informed you are, the more confident you will be in finding the vehicle you want.
When you’re ready to buy your next vehicle, look up Joe Bowman Auto Plaza online: https://www.joebowmanautoplaza.com. And, stop in to see us. We’re here to help your Harrisonburg new car buying easy so that you find the right vehicle for you!