Tips for Buying a Car in Corpus Christi, TX

When you’re ready to purchase a car, whether new or used, it’s important to know what to look for. It all starts with figuring out what you really need, what you want and your budget. Then, you just need to find the right car and go through the buying process. Here are a few tips to help you whenever you’re buying a car in Corpus Christi, TX.

Research, Research, Research

No longer do you have to go from one dealer to another to compare price and vehicle. In today’s world, you can hop online and find all the information you need. Doing your research before buying a car in Corpus Christi will ensure you get a good deal on the right vehicle for you.

Take the time to consider all the elements from horsepower to gas mileage to storage to design to safety. Make sure you’re choosing to look at a vehicle that fits you and your budget. By doing your research ahead of time, it will save you time at the dealership and make the buying process much easier.

Get Preapproved for Financing

It’s silly to sit at a dealership for hours waiting to find out if you’re approved and what the deal will be. Instead, get pre-approved before you go in to look at the vehicle of your choice. You can submit an application, income documentation and everything else necessary before you ever visit the dealership.

Once you’re preapproved, head to the dealership and work out the deal there. Do your negotiating at the dealership and consider which vehicle will fit you best. If you’re buying a used vehicle, make sure you have it checked out, as well.

Compare Prices

While the old adage is new vehicles are twice the price of a used vehicle two or three years old, this isn’t always true. Sometimes, dealers will clearance old inventory of new vehicles for just a few thousand more than a used vehicle. The benefits of a new vehicle also include a warranty you may not get with a used vehicle.

When you’re comparing prices, consider what you’re getting for the money. You may be surprised at what you can get with the right new vehicle compared to the same vehicle only a few years older. In addition, financing for a new vehicle may be easier to get and may include better terms.

Use the Purchase Price to Decide, Not the Monthly Payments

It’s not surprising that car dealers will offer affordable and attractive monthly payments. However, the total sales price may not look as good as you would like. They may be dragging the loan out seven to ten years to get you that lower payment. Make sure you negotiate based on the purchase price, not the monthly payment.

You should also know the full purchase price of the car you plan to purchase. You may be hit with hidden costs or extras you were not expecting, including car preparation fees, delivery fees, document fees and other costs. These are not uncommon, but you may have to ask to find out what they will be.

Don’t Talk About Your Trade-in

Even if you plan to trade-in, you shouldn’t mention it until you get to the end of the buying process. Make sure you negotiate the price before you talk about the trade as the dealer may try to use the trade against you. Negotiate the price, and then tell the dealer you plan to trade your car in.

Consider the Insurance Payment

You will not only have a new car payment, but you will also have an insurance payment. Make sure you consider this. It can be higher or lower than what you’re paying, depending on your current insurance. If you plan to finance your new or used vehicle, you will need to carry full coverage insurance. Reach out to one of our expert car insurance agents at Balsiger Insurance at (361) 400-2973 or visit the office in person at Balsiger Insurance, 5402 Holly Rd #2104, Corpus Christi, TX 78411 to make sure you get great coverage at a great price.

Avoid Purchasing Most of the Add-Ons

Dealers will always try to sell you an extended warranty and gap insurance. Gap insurance may be a good choice, but the extended warranty is often not a good choice. With a new car, you will have plenty of coverage and often the vehicle won’t have any issues throughout the warranty or extended warranty period. In addition, they will add the extended warranty to your financing, which means you’ll pay interest on it, too.

Test Drive Before Buying

You should always test drive any vehicle before you buy it, even a new vehicle. You never know how you will feel in it if you don’t drive it. In addition, if it’s a used vehicle, you need to test drive to test the brakes, the idle, the engine and all the controls.

When Buying Used, Get a Mechanic Involved

It’s a small price to pay to ensure you have a good vehicle. Make sure you visit the mechanic and have them do a thorough check before you finalize the purchase. Also, drive the vehicle for at least 30 minutes in case the dealer or someone else has cleared any check engine lights.

There are several things to consider when it comes to buying a car in Corpus Christi. Make sure you get a good vehicle you can trust, take your time and don’t allow a dealer to pressure you.