So, its time to purchase a new car. There are a lot of options out there, but Chevy ends up being your top pick. It’s not a bad choice, with iconic vehicles like the Chevy Silverado, or the zippy and electric-powered Chevy Volt, there is plenty to choose from. Let’s say you’ve even found the ideal Chevy dealer, one that has a great reputation, and a wide variety of services that make car buying easy. Although, what comes next? Do you head straight to the dealership, and purchase the first car that tickles your interest? Or do you wait, relying on your own research over the expertise of a dealer? There are many paths to purchasing a car from a dealership, although they’re not all created equal. Some methods are better than others, and in this post, we’ll share, how you can make the most out of your Chevy dealership experience, and roll away behind the wheel of a car that answers your every automotive need.
Do Your Homework
As we mentioned before, Chevy has a diverse lineup. Vehicles range from full-sized powerhouse SUVs like the 2020 Chevy Tahoe, to compact and punchy little cars like the 2019 Chevy Cruze. With so much to choose from, its easy to become overwhelmed. Plenty of potential buyers visit a dealership and let the dealer pick out a car for them. While this can be a great option for those who have no idea what they’re looking for, it’s smart to do a bit of research before you even step foot into a dealer’s showroom.
One thing you should consider is the type of vehicle that might fit your lifestyle. There are a myriad of vehicle types out there like the aforementioned Chevy Cruze. This is a compact car that can either be purchased as a sedan or a hatchback. While a sedan is your run of the mill vehicle, a hatchback offers a trunk space that’s connected to the rear seats and can be expanded by lowering them.
If you purchase a hatchback, chances are you want a small car with a bit of extra cargo space. On the other hand, something like the 2020 Chevy Tahoe would make a great pick for the family driver. Seating up to eight passengers and equipped with intuitive safety features like forward collision alerts, and rear cross traffic alerts, this full-sized SUV offers drivers plenty of peace of mind behind the wheel. Both of these vehicles are very different, and depending on your lifestyle can either be a great pick or a terrible one.
So, in other words, do your homework. Research all of the vehicles in the Chevy family lineup, and see which one best fits your needs. While a dealer can walk you through their selection, it’s incredibly helpful to have a basic idea as to what you’re looking for.
While you should certainly research the kind of vehicle you want, you should also delve into the history and reputation of your selected Chevy dealer. There are a wide variety of dealerships out there, and some are better than others. While one dealership may offer a detailed car buying experience, and walk you through the process step by step, others are less cooperative and can only see dollar signs. Researching your potential dealership of choice and the car you hope to drive can make a huge difference in the end result. It can also can make or break your dealership experience.
The Value of a Great Test Drive
So, you’ve found your ideal dealership, and have an idea of the sort of car that you’re looking for, now its time to pay that Chevy dealership a visit and schedule a test drive. During this time you can get a detailed look at all of the ins and outs of a car and can see exactly whether the vehicle is a good fit for you or not. Unfortunately, it can be easy to be wooed by a great first impression, even if the vehicle isn’t a good fit. That said, there are ways that you can make the most out of your test drive and get a full impression of a vehicle.
One thing we recommend is that you take your test drive on a route that you’re familiar with. When driving on a new stretch of road, it can be easy to be distracted by the scenery and become less focused on the most important part of the test drive, the car. By taking a familiar route, you can also envision what driving this ‘potential new car’ on a day-to-day basis might be like. In most cases, a Chevy dealer will allow you to pick your own route, and if you’re purchasing from a local dealership, doing so should be quite easy.
We also recommend that you ask any and all questions that might pop into your head while sat behind the wheel of your potential new vehicle. A dealer should work with you and inform you of all the details on a car and should not shrink away from curiosity. Your test drive is your first experience with a car and getting the full scoop on all that it has to offer can make a huge difference in whether you leave the dealership satisfied or not.
Finalizing a Deal
So, you’ve had a successful test drive, and know precisely what kind of car you want, what model you’re looking for, and what features are perfect for you. Now what? Well, the time has come to sit down with a dealer and discuss finances. That said, before you do that, you should ask yourself, ‘what is my budget?’ When you purchase a new car, you’ll have to apply for an auto loan, which will cover the cost of the vehicle, as well as any additional fees. It’s your responsibility afterward to make monthly payments on this loan, a loan that you might be paying for several years. So, you should ask yourself, ‘how much can I afford to spend on a monthly basis?’
These budgetary questions ought to be asked before you even sit down with your dealer to discuss finances, as prematurely talking money can result in a less than superb deal. It is also worthwhile to ask yourself how much you can afford on a down payment. While a down payment isn’t always necessary, it can bring down the overall amount that you’ll have to finance for, and can result in a lower monthly financial burden. Another financial characteristic to be mindful of is the interest rate. A high-interest rate can increase the overall cost of a car, and if you’re not careful, can end up paying more than the car’s inherent value.
All of these things considered, when you visit a Chevy dealership to purchase a new car, chances are you’ll be introduced to a wide selection of vehicles by a passionate dealer with an in-depth knowledge of the Chevy brand. Purchasing a new car doesn’t have to be an intimidating experience, and in the end, if done right, you can end up heading home behind the wheel of a car that meets all of your expectations.
