Car Buying Tips From GMC Dealers

Here are some things to consider when buying a car:

1. Do you have children or want to start a family in the near future?
2. Do you think you'll need lots of storage space in your vehicle?
3. Do your friends rely on you for carpooling? Is passenger room a priority?

Of course, there are several other questions you should ask, but these are a few starting points. Determine whether you'd like all-wheel drive for hauling large loads. Compare fuel economy and cargo volume for your frontrunners. Most GMC dealers in Kansas will have an online inventory that lets you sort by different features like trim level, price, color, model, etc.

Even though the low monthly payment plans might seem tempting, it's going to be much more difficult for you to pay off your vehicle if you go with these plans. Not only will you be paying more interest, but it's also going to take you a lot longer to pay off your car. Make sure you get offers in writing if you plan on scouting out other locations.

For those dealing with trade-ins, there are a couple other steps that you need to consider. For one, you need to make sure that you've researches the trade-in value before you go into the dealership. Keep in mind that most cars fall into the 'clean' or 'fair' category. You'll get three figures once you've gone through the appraisal process. One is the trade-in value that the dealer might offer you (keep this in mind while you're at the dealership). One is the private-party value if you choose to sell the car yourself. Lastly, the dealer retail is what your vehicle would be valued at if it was sold at a dealership, like one of the GMC dealers in Kansas.

You'll need to verify that the vehicle you want is still in stock before going into the dealership. Websites aren't always up to date with the latest information if a vehicle was purchased the day before. Check to see if there are any dealer installed options, like nitrogen already in the tires, all-weather floor mats, or theft protection packages, since these can add thousands of dollars to the price of the vehicle. If possible, try going in on a weekday during the day to avoid long wait times. Schedule an appointment for a test drive, so the car's waiting for you when you get there. Try out a variety of different roads during the test drive—highways, dirt roads, streets, etc. Make sure the controls are easy to use and that your child seat will fit in the car. You don't have to buy the car right away either. Give it a day or two to think it over, but keep in mind that other people might be looking at the same vehicle! You can ask GMC dealers in Kansas to email you a breakdown of the 'out-the-door price' with all of the taxes and fees included. Go ahead and ask to preview the products that the dealership will offer you after you purchase the car, including paint protection, extended warranties, and pre-paid maintenance plans.

Getting a Good Deal

Just because the offer you get is higher than the average doesn't mean you should completely shut them down. It may not be worth the hassle to get the cheapest possible price. Plus, a car's price doesn't make up the entire deal. Interest rate, the loan term, and the value of your trade-in are also factors to consider. Remember too that fair treatment from a salesperson and dealership should influence your decision. That cheap price tag may not be worth the rude service and swindling from some GMC dealers in Kansas.

Closing the Deal

Once you've completed all of these steps, it's time to close the deal. You can decide to either buy at the dealership or have the car and paperwork delivered to your home. The salesperson will take you to the finance and insurance office for you to sign the contract and add on any additional products, like an extended warranty. Look over the contract carefully, and make sure there aren't any additional charges or fees. Once you've signed, the car belongs to you! Don't take a car that doesn't have a full tank or isn't clean. A good salesperson will give you a tour of your new car, including Bluetooth connectivity instructions and an owner's manual breakdown. You can reschedule for another time if you don't want to do it at the dealership right then and there.

Rebates

You can check the manufacturer's website for rebates, since not all rebates are made public. Certain organizations receive discounts or coupons in the mail that give you additional rebates. Keep in mind that new car manufacturers are allowed to assign a servicing schedule to vehicles, and it's your responsibility to make sure these schedules are kept. It's up to you to decide whether the cash rebates or no-interest financing for new vehicles is worth it. Sometimes the cash rebate with a low-rate auto loan can be a better deal than the 0% APR. That cash rebate reduces the cost of the vehicle, making the loan amount smaller. Before you accept that 0% APR auto loan, find out what the repayment term is. Use an auto loan calculator to compare the 0% APR loan at a higher amount versus a low-rate auto loan with the rebate lowering the loan amount.

Leasing vs. Buying

Leasing and buying a car can be likened to renting versus owning a home. When you buy, you're financing the entire cost of the vehicle no matter how long you plan on using it or how many miles you put on it. When you lease, on the other hand, you're financing the cost of the vehicle only while you lease it. You only pay the difference between the value of the car when you get it and when the lease ends (the depreciation and fees). Some factors that you should take into consideration is how much you plan on driving your vehicle, whether you'll take good care of it, and whether you're expecting major life changes. If you drive too many miles with a leased vehicle, you might have to deal with mileage fees. If you return a leased vehicle in bad condition, you may have to deal with wear-and-tear penalties. You have to pay a fee if you terminate a lease agreement early, so owning a car might be the better choice if you're anticipating a move, pregnancy, etc. It's much easier for you to just sell the car when you own it than to pay the extra fine.

There are upsides to leasing a car too. Your monthly lease payment will be lower than a monthly loan payment. According to U.S. News, "with the car lease, you only pay the difference between the car's price and what it's expected to be worth at the end of the lease, which is known as its residual value". It's a good choice if you have just a small amount saved up for down payments. The more money you put down at the beginning though, the lower your monthly payment will be. Normally leases last around three years, and the car is covered under warranty for unexpected repairs during the lease. Maintaining the car entails oil changes, tire rotations and recommended maintenance. For those who like staying up to date with the newest tech and safety features, leasing is a great option. You can get a new car every few years, and you don't have to deal with selling your car or getting a good price for the trade-in. You can view this guide to see whether a lease purchase makes more sense for you, or consult GMC dealers in Kansas. Contact us if you'd like any more information, or stop by our location in Olathe, Kansas!