3 Important Tips for Buying a New Vehicle This Year

The last couple of years has been hard for Americans interested in buying a new vehicle. The 2020 COVID pandemic made in-person car shopping difficult, and a shortage of key computer chips still causes endemic inventory shortages. The heads of Ford and BMW expect said chip shortages to continue into at least 2023.

That’s not to say that it’s impossible to buy a vehicle right now. You just need the right information. So to help you on your auto-buying journey, here are some top tips for buying a vehicle in 2022.

1. Figure Out What You Need Buying a New Vehicle

The best favor that you can do for yourself is to have an idea of what you need before you set foot in a dealership.

That doesn’t mean you have to have already narrowed your search down to an exact make, model, and options package. But knowing what you’ll use this vehicle for will be a great help.

Do you need a fuel-efficient daily driver? Something with plenty of passenger space for ferrying the kids to afterschool activities? A truck with ample cargo space?

These are the sorts of things you need to ask yourself. Once you have a purpose for your new vehicle, you can start to narrow your scope and research individual models.

2. Get Preapproved for a Loan and Plan Your Trade-In

Most people don’t pay cash when they buy a new vehicle. So more than likely, you’ll need to take out an auto loan for your purchase.

Walking into a dealership already preapproved for a loan can do wonders to make the process easier. It also helps reduce the number of hard inquiries on your credit, which causes temporary damage to your score each time a potential lender has to look you up.

If you have a trade-in, now is also the time to plan for that. Looking up your car’s trade-in value before you go to the dealership will help you set your expectations and get a fair deal.

3. Work With the Dealer, Not Against Them

A lot of people go into car-buying negotiations expecting a fight. And when you go into a situation with that kind of mindset, it can become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Contrary to popular belief, the average salesperson isn’t trying to get one over on you. And by working with them instead of letting the negotiations become a battle, you can often walk away with a much better deal.

Suppose you needed to outfit your small business with a fleet of commercial ford trucks. By working with a dealership rather than against them, you’ll have an easier time arriving at a deal both parties can be happy with

It’s the same thing when buying a car for your personal use. The dealers spend all day, every day with these vehicles. They have the expertise to help you find the right car or truck for your needs.

Remember This Car Buyers Checklist When You Purchase a Vehicle

Buying a new vehicle can be challenging, especially this year. But it can also be an exciting moment. And with these car-buying tips in your back pocket, you’re sure to walk away with a deal you can be happy with.

Of course, buying your vehicle is only the beginning. Maintaining and even modifying your new ride will be an ongoing endeavor over the life of your vehicle. So for all the information, you’ll need to make the most of your new car or truck, be sure to follow our latest auto news and guides.