Are you planning on buying a car soon? Here are four essential questions you should ask yourself before you do so brought to you by Cerberus Systems, Inc. in Chambersburg.

What Are My Car Needs?

The best way to choose a car for your daily life is to choose one based on your needs. Buying a car can be a significant investment, so you’ll want it to be useful and match your lifestyle. For example:

• Is this car going to be mainly for commuting?
• Will it be a family car?
• Are you going to be driving long distances?
• Do you need to carry heavy items often?
• Are you interested in a gas, hybrid or electric car?
• What type of safety features are you interested in?

These questions can help you narrow down the type of car you’ll look for and will make it easier to decide when you’re at the dealership.

If you’re planning on buying a car, consider the maintenance routine you’ll follow once you have it. Call Cerberus Systems, Inc. at (717) 658-1256 for tips and products to keep your car in the best shape possible. Don’t forget to place an order at AMSOIL's online shop once you’re ready.

What Does My Budget Look Like?

When planning to make any big purchases, it’s essential to know what your budget looks like. This is the best way to make a sound financial decision and not overextend your finances. Experts say your monthly transportation costs shouldn’t exceed 20% of your monthly income. Other than car payments, this includes insurance and gas costs too. Before you head over to the dealership, calculate these costs and your down payment to have an accurate estimate of your budget.

Downpayment and Loan Length

When calculating your car buying budget, it's also essential to include your down payment. It’s a good idea to save up for a 20% down payment to lower your monthly payments. Regarding monthly payments, car loans come in 12-month increments and usually last between 36 to 84 months, but this will depend on your lender.

Do I Want a New or a Used Car?

Another decision when buying a car is if you want a new or used one. There are advantages and disadvantages to both, for example, having a new car can get you better insurance rates and newer features, while a used car can be less expensive and has lower depreciation. There are many factors to consider, so do your research before deciding.

Regular maintenance can increase your car’s useful life and conserve its resale value. Call Cerberus Systems, Inc. at (717) 658-1256 for excellent products like AMSOIL’s Signature Series 10W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil, or visit AMSOIL's online shop to see their full range of products.

What Are My Financing Options?

There are different types of financing when it comes to cars. This depends on various factors, like the trade-in value of your current vehicle, the length of your financing, and how good your credit score is. With these factors in mind, there are two options for financing your vehicle:

• Direct lending: Where you take out a loan from a bank or a credit union.
• Dealership lending: Where you finance your car from the dealership you’re working with.

Each has its benefits, so make sure to ask what the terms and conditions are and compare them before making your decision. Financing tip: Getting a loan for a longer time means paying higher interest rates. That’s why it’s essential to finance your car for as short a time as possible. Experts say that the sweet spot is 48 months.

How Can I Negotiate Better?

Good negotiating skills are essential for many life transactions, and buying a new car is one of them. Negotiating at the dealership can be challenging as dealers are highly skilled salespeople. But it’ll be necessary to get the best price and terms possible. Here are three ways you can prepare before heading out to the dealership:

• Do your research: Changing someone’s mind is hard when they are clear on what they want. That’s why it’s important to know what car suits your needs and what your budget looks like.
• Do each negotiation separately: Negotiating the price, the add-ons, and the financing are the three major parts of a car deal. It’s a good idea to do each negotiation separately to be clear on what you agree to.
• Keep your emotions in check: This is crucial for any negotiation to go your way. Even if you’re excited about getting a new car, stay level-headed and don’t let emotions get in the way. Also, remember that you can always walk away from a deal that doesn't suit you.

 

Your vehicle’s performance is directly related to your maintenance routine. That’s why the oil pros at Cerberus Systems, Inc. are trained to help you choose the best products for your car’s maintenance. Call (717) 658-1256 today or visit AMSOIL's online shop anytime!