Olson Marketing

OUR BLOG

Don’t Skip These Steps When Buying a Car

Buying a car can quickly become overwhelming if you’re not prepared. In this post by AMSOIL: Olson Marketing in Saunders County, we’ll go over four essential steps to make your buying process more straightforward.

Budgeting for Your New Car

The first step before going to the dealership and looking at cars is to create a budget and decide how much you can afford to spend on buying a car. When creating a budget, remember that experts suggest that your transportation budget shouldn’t be more than 20% of your take-home pay to keep your finances healthy. This includes things like car payments, gas costs, and insurance payments. Additional to these costs, having a good downpayment can help you determine how much you’ll pay monthly for your car and the length of your loan. Usually, your downpayment should be at least 20% of the total cost of the vehicle, so it’s essential to save up for it.

The best way to keep your car in good condition is by having a regular maintenance routine with only the best products. For advice on the products that best suit your car’s needs, call Olson Marketing at (402) 310-6414 or visit AMSOIL's online store anytime.

What Type of Car Do You Need?

Once you have a budget, it’s time to think about the kind of car you need. The best car is the one that will suit your needs and match your lifestyle. Some questions you can ask yourself to determine this are:

Do I need a vehicle that transports a lot of people?
Will I need to transport things regularly?
Do I need to drive long distances?
Do I need a family-friendly vehicle where small children will be safe?
Do I need to fit car seats in the back seat?

These questions can help you decide what kind of car you need and what specs and safety features you should look for when visiting your dealer.

New or Used?

Deciding if you want a new or used car is also essential when buying a car. Both options have advantages and disadvantages, so it’s necessary to wage them before deciding. For example, a used car can be less expensive but might have fewer up-to-date features. On the other hand, a new car will be shiny and new, but your car payments will be higher. Being clear on what you want will also help you when negotiating at the dealership.

A regular maintenance routine is the best way to ensure your vehicle is reliable. That’s why Olson Marketing offers the best products, like AMSOIL’s Signature Series 10W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil and many others. Call today at (402) 310-6414 and learn more about the best products for your engine or visit AMSOIL's online store to place an order anytime.

Financing Options

Knowing your financing options before visiting the dealership is another excellent way to prepare. Two standard methods of financing a car are:

Direct lending means getting a loan through a credit union or bank.
Dealership financing your vehicle through the dealership.

It’s crucial that you assess your finances and budget before deciding on the type of financing that makes the most sense for you. Also, don’t forget that financing your car for longer will mean higher interest rates, which in the long run will mean you’ll pay more for your vehicle.

Negotiating Price and Terms

Negotiation skills are essential when buying a new vehicle. Dealers are skilled at negotiating and sales, so you should be prepared before visiting to reach a deal that suits you. Here are some ways to be prepared before visiting the dealership:

Do your research: When negotiating, being clear on what you’re looking for is the best way to avoid agreeing on things you didn’t want in the first place, as it’s hard to change someone’s mind once it’s made up.
Separate negotiations: Before diving in, make sure what you’re negotiating. Some dealers will try to convince you to agree to a package of features you weren’t looking for to drive up the price. The best way to avoid this is to do separate negotiations for the cost of the car, financing, and add-ons.
Beware of emotions: While making a big purchase like a car can be exciting and overwhelming, the best negotiations are those where emotions are left at the door. Stay calm, and make sure to think through every step of the way.