It’s almost that time of year—the New Year, where you set fresh goals and work like mad to uphold them. It’s common to think about exercise, health-related behaviors and even cutting back on your spending. But what about your ride? Do you need a car, or are you ready to upgrade? When listing out your resolutions for 2016, make sure to add one or more of these car buying goals.
Do your Research First
Are you one of those people that go to the car lot totally unprepared and buys a car based on looks and color? Well not in 2016. This year, you will carefully try look at the following criteria:
- Look for great cars from specific years on Kelley Blue Book, Consumer Reports, Edmunds or TrueCar.
- Research values, reliability and which model best serves your needs. Are you looking for gas savers, comfort or something that hauls extra passengers and cargo?
- Determine your budget so you can make sure the vehicles you’re interested are within your means.
The key is knowing your wants and needs and having some good, viable options in mind before you go shopping. Also, if you have to negotiate price, it’s helpful to have the numbers in hand.
Choose a Reliable Dealership
In case you’re purchasing a used car, this resolution is more important than the rest. Weeding out the dud dealerships to find the gems is essential. Some things to look for are a place that has been in business for a long time, has mostly good reviews and takes your car buying success seriously. At a good dealership you’ll never feel bullied or over-pressured. Instead, the goal will be to get you into a car you like and that fits in your budget. They’ll even help you with finding ideal financing and work to make it happen when you’re working on rebuilding your credit.
Be Patient
Nothing is worse than wanting something right now. However, as a couple advertisers (thank you Heinz and Guinness) have pointed out over the years, “Good things come to those who wait.” The same is true for the car buying process. It’s true—you may find something your first time out, but it also may take a little longer to get finances in order so you can get the best vehicle for you. It is also helpful to wait if you have certain models and makes in mind. It’s only a matter of time before it pops up at your favorite used car dealership.
Create a Budget
It’s easy to forget that buying a car doesn’t stop after you drive it off the lot. For the years you own a vehicle you’ll also be paying for car payments, interest, insurance, maintenance, licensing, and gas. When you create your realistic car budget, make sure to factor in every one of these very important costs. That way, when you head to the dealership you know how much you can spend on the car/interest each month, and have enough set aside to cover the rest. Your 2016 will be less stressful if you buy a car that you can afford at your current income without too much worry.
If one thing holding you back is a down payment, make a resolution to get creative. Sell some unneeded items on eBay or Craigslist or host a yard sale. Take a second job or do random small jobs for a few months. If you’re a crafty person, set up a shop on Etsy. There are many ways to make a little extra dough these days.
Keep an Open Mind
Having an open mind can make great things happen. When you’re locked into an outcome, it’s much easier to be disappointed. Let’s say you really, really, really want a Ferrari. Who knows—maybe a sporty Scion FR-S will do the trick, and leave you enough money to still go out and have fun with your friends. It’s possible you won’t find the exact car you want, but that’s okay. You may like something else even better. Just be open to it.
How to Keep your New Year’s Resolutions
There are a few tips and hints that make keeping your resolutions easier. They include:
- Make your resolution something you really want, like buying a car
- Be specific and keep the goal within reach, don’t aim for a car you can’t afford
- Make a plan, small steps are an easy way to get to the big, overall goal, which is your new ride
This is your year. Make 2016 the year all your car buying goals happen. Whatever you need to do, find the motivation to get it done so you can drive off into a great 2016.
