So you want a new car.

But you’ve got a lot of questions.

The good news is, so do most buyers! We get questions all the time as we guide buyers through the process of buying a new car, truck, or SUV. Here are our top ten frequently asked questions for new car buyers:

1. What Kind of Car Do I Need?

The most common question we get from new car buyers! Determining the vehicle you need to fit your lifestyle is the key to being happy with it. Do you need to haul, and need a vehicle with a specific tow rating? Do you only need space for one or two people? Are you heading off-road, or are you expecting to see poor weather or rough roads often? What features are must-haves?

2. What Kind of Car Do I Want?

Numerous benefits come with new cars that a used vehicle doesn’t have – the full manufacturer’s warranty, for instance, as well as the latest features and an absence of wear and tear. That being said, it’s up to you as the buyer if these are must-haves. It might not be a bad idea to consider a lightly-used vehicle if it checks all the boxes you have!

3. What Are the Benefits of Buying New Instead of Used?

Your suspension system is built to eat up bumps, but only the stoutest ones are built for the high impact that can come from hitting a pothole at a certain speed. Regular jolts can accelerate the rate of wear and performance loss, while a single massive impact could cause damaged shocks, broken ball joints, or even worse – a bent axle! If there are strange noises, vibrations, or if your vehicle is pulling to the side after hitting a pothole, this could signal suspension damage from the poor road conditions.

4. Does It Fit In My Garage or Driveway?

No matter where you go during the day, you’ll have to bring the car, truck, or SUV home at the end of it. Making sure the vehicle you’re looking at fits your parking situation is important, particularly if you are upsizing from a compact vehicle. The last thing you want is to be inconvenienced when trying to keep your vehicle at home and having to park it elsewhere.

5. How Much Can I Afford?

Having a budget will help determine how much vehicle you can get, including trim levels and options. Your salesperson should be able to help you understand what you can afford in comparison to an overall cost or a monthly budget you’ve determined. Come prepared with the budget and they’ll help figure out ways for you to fit a vehicle into it!

6. Should I Lease or Buy?

This is a major question, and there’s no perfect answer to it. For buyers who turn over cars often, always want the newest features, and want to keep low payments with low investment while being okay with some restrictions, the lease may be a better choice. Buyers who are okay with higher monthly payments but who want the freedom of being able to do what they want with the new vehicle will be better off buying or financing. But there are always other considerations.

7. What Kind of Financing Can I Get?

There are a variety of ways you can get financing for a new vehicle. Dealership, dealer-arranged, your personal bank or credit union, and other options may be available. Understand your rights and the terms that will come back, and you can determine what the best financing is including the best length and terms.

8. Should I Put a Down Payment on a Vehicle?

If you can afford it, putting a down payment on your vehicle should be a goal when you are buying a new car. A down payment reduces the amount of the overall loan if you are financing a vehicle. This means you’ll have less principal every month that is causing interest, helping to lower your monthly payments.

9. How Can I Get the Best Deal?

There are plenty of people who will tell you that if you go on the last Tuesday of November, or some specific date like that, you’ll get the best deal. There are plenty of ways to get great deals throughout the year, from specific holiday sales to end-of-year sales and more. The best way to get the best deal is to have a vehicle lined up and follow up when you see special sales pop up!

10. Should I Sell My Current Vehicle or Trade It In?

Both avenues have their pros and cons. When you trade it in, you might get less money behind that dollar sign, but that trade in will count against the new car, and can reduce your tax liability on the new car. It can also lower the amount you’ll have to finance, reducing your monthly payments and overall cost. Selling it on your own, you’ll likely get more money… but it will come with the hassle of listing it and dealing with potential buyers. You might not be able to sell your current car before buying your new one, so you’ll miss out on that down payment. You also may have to pay more taxes on your new car buy. You’ll have to weigh this for yourself!

While these are the top ten frequently-asked questions for new car buyers, there are sure to be others out there! No matter the questions you have in your vehicle-buying timeline, we’re here to answer them for you. Just reach out to our team today!

If you have more questions you are in luck, we have an expert staff ready to answer them for you contact our team at Bobby Rahal Honda of State College