Step 1: Figure Out Your Needs
This is the most important step of the process! Determine what your preferences are with vehicles, what you like and don't like, and what you can't live without by writing out a list of qualities you need in a vehicle. This will allow you to single out specific vehicles that you may be interested in to find out if it's truly the right vehicle for you. You can use our vehicle inventory search to specify what you're looking for, including price range, features, colors, styles, and more!
Some notable needs to consider can include:
- How many passengers will I regularly have in my vehicle?
- What is my commute time to and from work?
- Will I have to do any towing? If so, how often?
- Do I want a lease, a certified pre-owned vehicle, or new vehicle?
- Is fuel economy important?
These are only a few features to consider, but there are plenty of other factors you should keep in mind. Personal preference is extremely important when finding the vehicle of your dreams!
Step 2: Determine Your Budget
Next on the list, you'll want to consider how much you are willing to spend. Your vehicle is a large part of your life and will require routine maintenance and attention during any replacements or repairs. You'll also need to equate monthly payments and insurance costs. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind is that, on a monthly basis, you should only spend up to 20% of your take-home income on your vehicle. If you're interested in an auto loan, our finance department can help you determine your credit score and an interest rate that will work best for you!
Step 3: Do Some Research
By this point, you'll have your needs in mind and you'll have a budget set. This will help you wittle down the wide range of choices available to you in order to find the vehicle perfect. This is the point where you'll want to look at your wants to see if they correlate with your needs and your budget. Not only will this help you distinguish noteworthy vehicles, it'll also make the vehicle all the more important to you! You wouldn't want to drive something that you don't like, would you?
A few things to think about when you're writing your wants can include:
- What color do I want my vehicle to be?
- What kinds of features do I want?
- Can I afford a sunroof/convertible option?
- Do I want a special package with my vehicle?
- Do I want an electric, hybrid, or regular car?
There are plenty of other features that you can use, but these will help you single out the vehicle of your dreams much quicker. Don't forget about your budget when you determine your wants while you're researching, though!
Step 4: Buying vs. Leasing
This can be a very tough decision, as both buying and leasing have their individual pros and cons. You'll want to keep these in mind as you get closer to your final decision. Consider your budget, wants, and needs as you delineate between buying or leasing. Buying a vehicle can be more cost-effective in the long run, as it becomes all yours after you pay off your auto loan. However, your vehicle's value can depreciate quickly and monthly payments can be high. With leasing, you'll be able to get a new vehicle with the latest features and can drive a new vehicle every 2-3 years. But you are restricted on the amount of miles you're allowed to put on it. Once you return your vehicle at the end of the lease, you'll be responsible for any damage that is done. If you'd like a more in-depth analysis of the pros and cons of both, take a look at our buying vs. leasing page for more information on the benefits of each.
Step 5: Take Your Vehicle for a Test Drive
The time has finally come for you to get your hands behind the wheel! You've determined exactly what you're looking for in a vehicle, what you're able to afford, and whether you're buying or leasing. Your next step is to stop by the dealership and take your potential set of wheels out for a test drive! Schedule an appointment with us and our friendly sales team will set you up for a test drive. This is the perfect opportunity to find out if it's right for you.
While you're on the test drive, check the vehicle for anything that stands out, including:
- Handling: How does it feel behind the wheel? Does it respond to your steering?
- Seating: Is it a comfortable? What about the passenger seats?
- Storage: How much stuff could you fit in the vehicle? Do you have room for everything you need for a weekend trip?
- Driving: Where do you have to drive on your commute? How does it handle on the freeway?
- Extra Features: Do you like the sound system? How accessible are the other features?
Purchasing a vehicle shouldn't be a stressful process. Making it as enjoyable as possible is our goal at North Brothers Ford! We hope that figuring out how to find your dream car makes this process a fun and exciting experience! From determining your needs to getting behind the wheel for the first time, you'll be out on the road with your brand new ride in no time! Make sure you use our special offers and rebates to get the best deal possible to get your hands on your perfect vehicle!
North Brothers Ford is located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185 and proudly serves as one of the premier dealerships in Metro Detroit, and is committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at 888-806-7163, our knowledgeable and helpful sales team will be more than happy to assist you!
Visit our website: http://www.northbrosford.net
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