Your Ultimate Guide to Buying a Car in USA

Reading Time: 4 minutes

If you are thinking about buying a car in USA, you will know that things have changed over the past few years, especially after the pandemic. Factors like supply chain disruptions, high prices, a semiconductor chip shortage and soaring interest rates led to the scarcity of new cars.

Moreover, buyers today have the option to choose from an abundance of models. In this situation, the process of buying a car may seem daunting and overwhelming for first-time car buyers. But worry not, as we are here to help you! Continue reading this blog to learn how to purchase a car of your dreams at the best price.

Research Vehicles and Features

You must know what you want in your dream car so that you can start comparing options that might be right for you. Simply put, researching vehicles and their features is the first step that can help you shortlist a car. If you are unsure about what vehicle you want to buy, The Car Spec website has just about all the information you need.

We provide information about all the top models for nearly all vehicle categories to help you quickly identify the best car based on your budget and desired features. One thing to remember here is that you should consider how you plan to use your vehicle when researching.

For instance, if you have a big family, you will need a car with enough cargo space. Moreover, knowing what features you want in your car can help you narrow down your options. For example, if you prioritize style and looks, you can look for cars with aesthetic features. Once you have established your criteria, look for models that meet your needs.

Set A Clear Car-Buying Budget

Another important thing to consider when buying a car in USA is your finances. Do not head to the car dealer without having a clear budget in your mind. Compare the prices at different dealerships to negotiate the best price. In addition, do not forget to see what, if any, rebates and incentives are available for the car you want.

Locate and Test-Drive The Car

You cannot just take your dealer’s word for it. Consider driving the car you want to buy, as it gives a good feel for the different models. Contact a salesperson from the dealership to schedule a test drive, and remember the following things when test-driving a vehicle:

Schedule the test drive in either morning or afternoon and try to do it mid-week when dealerships are not too busy. It is the best way to get the full attention of the salesperson and avoid long waiting times.
Call beforehand and schedule an appointment to ensure the car you want is still in stock because it may have been sold recently.
Do not just drive around the block and select a test-drive route yourself that has a bit of everything- hills, rough pavement, curves, highways, etc.
Lastly, do not feel obligated to buy the car the same day and take your time to think it over.

Due to the new car shortage, you might find it difficult to find what you are looking for on the lot. If this is the case, you can check dealership inventories online or use an app or website to quickly search multiple dealerships at once. If you do not find anything nearby, consider using an online car-shopping tool to broaden your search radius and cover an entire region.

Close The Deal and Take Delivery

If the price, financing and vehicle look right, it is now time to say yes to the deal. Although most people tend to buy at the dealership, you also have the option to have the car and paperwork delivered to your home. Remember, buying a car is a serious commitment. Therefore, you should not hurry.

Whenever you sign the deal, review the contract carefully and ensure the numbers match the out-the-door breakdown. Be sure to check for any additional charges or fees. Here are some more things you should check when taking delivery:

The car should be clean, and the gas tank should be full
Look for any dents or scratches that might have occurred during the transport
Take a tour of the car, and check if all its features are working properly

And finally, enjoy your new car!

Indeed, the car purchasing process is a big step, but it does not have to be daunting, at least not anymore. The tips for purchasing a new car discussed in the blog above can help you get a good deal and enjoy a smooth shopping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1- What time of the year is best to buy a car in USA?

Ans. Generally, there is no best time to buy a car as promotions keep fluctuating. However, you can find good deals in the fall and winter, especially in December. The reason? Many dealerships try to make room for next year’s model during this time.

Besides this time of the year, you can also get promotions during major holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, etc. Lastly, hitting the dealership at the beginning of the week but at the end of the month is a good idea. That is because dealers may be motivated to offer the best deals at the end of the month so they can meet a sales quota.

Q2- Is it better to buy a new or used car?

Ans. If you want extensive warranties, consider buying a new car. On the other hand, if you cannot afford steep price tags, you can go for a used car as it might be cheaper. So, we can say that whether to buy a new car or a used car depends on your priorities and budget.

Buy a new car only when you can afford it over the long term. And if you are buying a used car, only buy from an owner who kept the car on top of maintenance to avoid expensive car repairs in the future.

Also Read: What To Look For When Buying A Used Car?

Q3- How much money should I have before buying a car?

Ans. Try to keep your monthly car payment under 10% of your take-home pay. Overall car costs should be less than 15 to 20% of your income if possible. Before you finance a car, research your options and use a car payment calculator to find a payment that works for you. When buying a new car, aim to put down 20% of the price upfront.