Some people love shopping for cars, while others absolutely dread it. Getting a car isn't a run-of-the-mill purchase – it's something that can drastically affect your financial situation. You could make the mistake of spending way too much on your next car, or you could underspend and end up with a less-than-reliable vehicle. Don't stress! Keep this financial advice in mind as you shop and you'll avoid any major mistakes. 

Never Shop before You Draw Up a Budget

Before you ever walk into our dealership or take a look at our website, you should draw up a budget to determine how much you can afford. What's the harm in browsing ahead of time, you ask? Well, there is the very great danger of overestimating what you can afford and getting your hopes up for a vehicle that won't be practical. Calculate how much money you have to spare comfortably after paying bills and rent and buying groceries. And remember to account for gas and insurance.

Once you've settled on an amount that you can realistically spend, head to the dealership and outline your budget to the dealer. They'll be able to direct you towards vehicles that are within your range, without the temptation of fancier cars and extras that you don't need and can't afford. This will save you a lot of disappointment in the long run.

Never Base Decisions Solely on Your Monthly Payment

If you are getting a lease, focusing on a low monthly payment makes a lot of sense. After all, at the end of the term, you can just turn the vehicle in and get another one. Where low payments on a lease are a convenience that doesn't hurt you long-term, extremely low payments on a purchase can sometimes extend the financing term without any added benefit to you. In other words, you might end up paying more – just over a longer period of time. And by the time that you are paid off, the vehicle's residual value might be next to nothing.

The amount of money that you put down will help lower the payments, but more than anything you'll want to ensure that you are getting a good final cost on the vehicle. This will keep payments reasonable so that you can finance over the normal period instead of, say, seven years.

Ask What Extras the Dealership is Offering

A lot of New Jersey car dealers offer incentives for their customers. Some will offer free maintenance or oil changes for a certain number of years or miles – things that can save you a good deal of money down the road. Don't be shy!!! Ask what they'd be willing to offer you. After all, you are committing to a purchase worth thousands of dollars, and a good dealership like ours will offer you something in return! 

Take a look at our online inventory at Autoland and schedule a test drive today!