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What to Look for When Buying a Used Car

Looking for your next ride around Lafayette? This is an exciting moment, but it might not feel that way. Whether you’ve had poor past dealership experiences or don’t know where to start, some Baton Rouge drivers can become overwhelmed. Luckily, the team at Sterling Automotive Group is here to provide tips on how and when to buy a new car. Learn more and explore our new vehicle specials to save on your preferred model!

When to Buy a New Car

Considering this is a major financial decision, the most important step is knowing when it’s the moment to find your next vehicle. Here are some indications that it’s time to take that leap:

  1. You’re paying for expensive repairs, impacting both your budget and time. You might pay more for repairs than you would for a new vehicle.
  2. If you don’t feel safe driving your car around Alexandria, it’s time for an upgrade. 
  3. While the car might have suited you in the past, you might have a growing family and need to upgrade to an appropriate SUV with the latest safety features and interior comforts.
  4. Is your vehicle failing emissions tests? If bringing it up to snuff is costly, choosing a new model can save you money in the long run.

How to Find Your Ideal New Car

Now that you’ve decided this is the right time, you might wonder where to start. An important step is setting a budget and sticking to it. If you have any questions, our finance teams are happy to help you find a budget and plan that works for you. Below, we’ve provided some steps on how to buy a new car:

  1. Narrow Your Search: Consider your Lafayette-area driving habits, cargo space requirements, and desired tech and safety features, then start searching for the vehicles that meet those needs.
  2. Choose Your Top Three: Select your three preferred models, then research their lifespan, reliability, safety ratings, etc. If possible, schedule test drives in each option to see how they handle on Baton Rouge streets.
  3. Once you’ve decided on your favorite choice, explore local dealer options, request price quotes, and explore what other shoppers paid for said vehicle.
  4. Remember any major sales weekends or holidays that can come with excellent deals, including the Fourth of July, Black Friday, or President’s Day.

How to Afford a New Car

Now that you know when to buy a new car, it’s time to explore your budget. How much you can afford to spend on your next vehicle? While purchasing a new car can be exciting, it’s important to factor the vehicle’s cost in connection with your other major expenses. Your next car payment should not exceed a third of your monthly income. When buying your next car, keep in mind that the following costs will be tacked on:

    • New Car Sales Tax: This tax is non-negotiable and will be added to your car loan amount.
  • Interest Rate: Your vehicle’s interest rate will also impact your monthly payments. Having a lower rate means your monthly payment will also be much less. However, it’s important to remember that you’ll only receive a lower interest rate if you qualify, and not every driver qualifies based on their credit score.
  • Trade-in Value:If you currently own a vehicle, you can trade it in for the one you want. While most dealers will purchase the car and apply that amount to your next model, if you still owe money, the dealership will tack the remaining cost onto your new vehicle price. Our value your trade tool provides an instant appraisal of your current model.

You can always start the process by applying for financing with one of our teams. Use our handy calculator to estimate what your monthly payments will be.

Find Your Next Car at Sterling Automotive Group!

Now that you know how to buy a new car, it’s time to find the perfect vehicle for your next Alexandria ride. Whether you’re looking for a powerful workhorse like our RAM trucks or a fuel-efficient hybrid, there’s much to explore in our inventory. Test-drive your next vehicle near Lafayette with Sterling Automotive Group!

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