Do's & Don'ts of Buying a New Car in Greenville, SC

Buying a new car can be very exciting and rewarding. But there's also a lot of preparation to be made beforehand to ensure you're getting the best fit for your lifestyle and budget. From daily commutes and errands to long-distance road trips, you'll likely be using your new car a great deal. Keep reading to see what steps you can take to make sure you're making the right decision!

1. Do Know Your Needs

With so many available body styles, features and amenities, it can be difficult to know where to start your search. But when you begin to list things that matter to you—whether that's cargo space, seating, towing capacity or something else—you can start to figure out which type of vehicle is the best fit.

2. Do Research

When you've narrowed down the type of vehicle you want, you should list out what your deal-breakers are in a used vehicle. Research various makes and models that have all the amenities and features you want so you can refine your search.

3. Do Know How Much You Can Afford

One of the more difficult parts of car shopping is creating a budget. You might have found a vehicle that fits your needs and lifestyle perfectly, but choosing one that you can afford can be more difficult. When buying a new vehicle, it's recommended that you put down about 20 percent, limit the term to no more than 60 months and keep your monthly payment below 10 percent of your income. You'll also want to consider the cost of regular and unexpected maintenance, as some cars cost more than others to maintain.

4. Don't Trade In A Car That's Worth Less Than You Owe On It

Negative equity is a huge burden. You may be able to consolidate your old loan into the new car's loan amount, but that means you could be paying the debt of two cars in one, big loan. A smart idea is to get ahead by researching what your trade may be worth. You can do that by using our helpful Kelley Blue Book Instant Cash Offer tool.

5. Don't Rush Your Test-Drive

Be sure to take your time when test driving a vehicle to ensure you actually enjoy it and get a feel for how it handles. You should also ask questions, play with the various features, look around the vehicle and make sure there is enough space for your needs.