How to Buy a New Car

Looking for a new set of wheels for your Alpharetta commutes? If you’re in the market for an automotive upgrade, you may be both excited and nervous. Luckily, our team is here to help you turn that excitement into a new vehicle, and guide you along the way to quell and concerns. When you team up with Lou Sobh Honda, you can learn how to buy a new car and when to buy a new car in a pressure-free environment. We believe that securing the keys to a new car should be fun and never cumbersome. Learn how to buy a new car below, so you can enjoy every Dawsonville drive to the fullest!

When to Buy a New Car

Knowing exactly when to buy a new car can be tricky since it requires months of diligent planning. If the following situations seem familiar, it’s likely time to take the leap into a new vehicle:

1. You’re routinely losing valuable time and money to expensive repairs. Eventually, your repair bills will far surpass the cost of upgrading to a new vehicle. 
2. You’ve felt unsafe or uneasy behind the wheel. Driving a hazardous car is stressful and dangerous. If you have ever questioned your vehicle’s ability to keep you safe, it’s time for an upgrade. 
3. If your Cumming family is beginning to grow, it may be time to trade in that coupe for something more suited to family life. The Honda Odyssey is a great option for adding space and innovative safety features.
4. Your current ride is failing emissions tests. If that’s the case, getting your vehicle road-ready and compliant with emissions standards can be quite costly. Opting for a new model may be more cost-effective over time. 

How to Find the Perfect New Car

Now that you have determined the time is right to enhance your automotive experience, you may be wondering where to start. Learning how to buy a new car starts with setting a reasonable budget, and sticking to it. Our finance team can help you decide how much car you can afford, and our payment calculator can help you find suitable options. Other steps to take include:

1. Determine what you need vs. what you want by considering your driving habits. Do you need an SUV with extra cargo and entertainment features? Do you need an efficient sedan to help you take on your daily commute? Discern which model type, features, and technology you must have and narrow your search. 
2. Decided on three top models, and conduct more in-depth research. Look at safety ratings, reliability, lifespan, and more for a better idea of which option fits best. Then, test-drive each one to see how it feels to get behind the wheel. 
3. Once you narrow down your top pick, take a look at the local market to see what similar models are selling for, and to scope out your dealership options. 
4. Take a peek at your calendar, are there any holidays coming up? Often, you can find special deals on Black Friday or during Presidents Day weekend. 

How to Afford a New Car

Determining the new car you desire is great, but having the resources to make the purchase is even better! Looking at your finances and setting a firm budget is the best way to upgrade your vehicle without busting your overall financial goals. According to U.S. News, your auto loan should not put your debts, including credit cards, student loans, rent, etc.–over one-third of your monthly income. Along with a down payment and your monthly bill, it’s important to budget for additional costs when planning to upgrade your vehicle:

• New Car Sales Tax: While you can always negotiate on the finer points of your auto loan, the sales tax is a fixed cost. 

• Interest Rate: The interest rate on your loan offer will impact your monthly payments. If your rate is lower, then your monthly payment bill will be lower. it’s important to keep in mind that interest rates are largely determined by credit score, so take a look at yours before applying for a loan. You may be able to quickly boost your score by paying off small debts and disputing errors. 

• Trade-in Value: Selling your current vehicle to the dealership at the time of your upgrade is a great way to offset the cost. If you’re still carrying a loan balance on your current model, you may still be able to trade it in, but the outstanding balance will be applied to your next purchase. Our trade-in value tool can help you see how much you will earn when you sell us your ride!

Find Your Dream Ride at Lou Sobh Honda!

Now that you know how to buy your new car, you can learn how to trade in a car, and then find your ideal upgrade at Lou Sobh Honda. We have a plethora of competitively priced models available in stock, from the efficient Honda Civic to the robust Honda Pilot. Be sure to explore our new vehicle specials for additional savings, or contact us for one-on-one car buying help!