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5 Steps to Buying a New Car in 2016

Buying a Car

Buying a car, new or used, is a big step that always seems to require more time than anticipated.

But with everything available on mobile now, buying a car has become easier than ever! You can literally shop for your car anywhere, any place, any time! You can research, locate, price and negotiate to buy your next car all online.

These five steps below could help you save tons of money and time on a new car; check them out below.

1. Research Your New Vehicle

First, it is important to figure out what car you want to drive. PrimeWay Federal Credit Union’s Member Auto Center has a lot of the information you need to do this, including links to real-time dealer inventory, payment calculators and trade estimators. You can research new and used cars, you can search preowned inventory from preferred dealers, get price quotes, find out what your trade-in value is and learn new car buying tips and tricks, all in one place. Next up is financing!

The Car You Want at a Rate You Can Afford

2. Get Pre-Approved

This is the step that really sets you on the right track to getting the best financing option available. Getting preapproved means you know how much you can afford and you will already have an interest rate to take to the dealer to negotiate if necessary. Sometimes your preapproval may be the best interest rate, but it is always good to compare the dealership’s financing just to make sure you get the lowest annual percentage rate possible.  

You can also apply for preapproval on the PrimeWay Member Auto Center website after you find the car you want to drive.  Get your financial information ready and be ready to shop for your car within the next two weeks after your preapproval is completed.

3. Find Your Car and Test It

Now, it is time to go see your car choices in person to give them a thorough check and test drive. You want to make sure that the cars include all features listed in the pricing, and you also want to make sure that the car is exactly what you want. This is your time to be extra picky, and get exactly what you want.

5 Steps to Buying a New Car in 2016

Buying a car is a big step that always seems to require more time than anticipated. These five steps could help you save money and time on a new car.

4. Get a Quote and Shop Around

You should have selected the car you want by this step, so now it is time to get the right price. We recommend calling or emailing the Internet sales department of at least four dealerships that have the car you want to drive.

You will need to request the total selling price, including any accessories/ packages that may come with the car. Take your quotes, compare and go with the best deal.

5. Drive Off Smart

If you have the right price and car, it is time to sign those contracts! Make sure the financing officer walks you through all of the charges and forms, so you fully understand what you are purchasing. Give the car a final walk around before leaving the lot. You want to make sure that there are no dents, scratches or cracks on your new purchase.

Of course these steps have been condensed to save you time, but you can find details and answers to most, if not all, of your car buying questions here. Don’t forget, we’re here to help! You can always count on PrimeWay to be here when you need us, through every stage of your life.

Author Bio

PrimeWay

Since 1937, PrimeWay Federal Credit Union has been a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing superior financial services to members in the Houston area. We offer more personalized services than you'll traditionally find at more conventional financial institutions. Our hallmarks are low interest rate loans, higher dividends on deposits and excellent member services.

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