Buying a car can have an emotional aspect to it. Sometimes we view the vehicle we drive as an extension of ourselves, and this can complicate matters when what we want doesn’t fit within our budget.
In this episode, we discuss five things to keep in mind when you’re in the market for a vehicle.
First, know what you can afford. Just because we have money doesn’t mean it’s available to be spent on a large purchase.
Second, do research. This can be a fun and daunting task because there’s a lot of information available. Set aside your emotions for this part and focus on the potential practicality of this vehicle.
Third, test drive. It’s difficult to be comfortable with a car purchase when you’ve never driven it. There’s also some aspects of this that don’t involve driving (e.g. comfort of the seats, ease of opening doors, etc.)
Fourth, prepare to negotiate based on information rather than bias. When discussing with a salesperson or an individual about how much you’re willing to pay, base that number on facts. While it may be challenging, sticking to your budget is critical in order to walk away with a car that’s worth it to you.
Finally, be patient. As with all things in life, patience can help us. “Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” (Ecclesiastes 7:8)

Episode Resources

• https://www.kbb.com/car-advice/10-steps-to-buying-a-new-car/
• https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/how-to-buy-a-car-in-todays-challenging-market-a7648220054/
• Car Affordability Calculator: How Much Can You Afford? (moneyunder30.com)
• Our Top 7 New Car Buying Tips | Bankrate
• 10 Tips for Buying Your First Car | FINN
• Test Driving a Car: A Checklist of What To Look For – Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com)