How to Buy a New Car

Whether you’re buying your first car for your new Vancouver commute or it’s your first time buying from a dealership, finding the perfect new car for your lifestyle can feel overwhelming at first. To help you narrow down your options and give you all the information you need, Dick Hannah RAM has put together this comprehensive guide on how to buy a new car. Learn more about the car buying process, the online tools you can use, and when to buy a new car in our guide below. If you have questions, feel free to contact our friendly staff!

When to Buy a New Car

The first thing to take into consideration when buying a new car is whether or not it’s the right time to take on a car payment. Buying a car is one of the biggest financial commitments you will make in your life, so before you begin browsing for new vehicles, consider the following:

1. If you’re consistently paying for expensive repairs or your vehicle is in a Portland service department frequently, you may be spending more on repairs than you would on a new car payment.
2. If you feel unsafe driving your current car due to its condition, the last thing you want is to get in an accident on Beaverton roads. If you’re unsure of your vehicle’s safety, it’s time for a new car.
3. Has your lifestyle changed recently? If your family is growing or if you’re looking to downgrade after raising a family, a new vehicle can help you navigate your new lifestyle safely and easily. Maybe you used to lease and now you want to buy?
4. If your vehicle is failing state-mandated testing, repairing it or bringing it up to code can be expensive, especially if it’s an older vehicle. A new vehicle will be in-line with state testing and may save you some money too.

How to Find Your Perfect Car

Now that you know when to buy a new car, it’s time to consider where to begin in the car buying process. The first step you should take is to plan your budget. Consider your monthly income, your current bills, and commitments, and then build your vehicle budget from there. Make sure to include emergency funds for car repairs or rentals. If you’re having trouble, use our online finance calculator to find out your approximate monthly payments.

After you’ve found your budget, follow these steps:

1. Think about your driving habits and needs, and begin searching for models that will fit with your lifestyle. It’s also important to consider which technology and features you want in your vehicle.
2. Once you know what kind of car you want, pick out your three favorite models. Then, research their price, safety ratings, reliability, lifespan, and more using websites like Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and Cars.com.
3. When you’ve decided which vehicle is right for you, find a dealership near Hillsboro to see the car in person and take a test drive. When you’re sure you’ve found the right car, research the price to see what other shoppers have paid.
4. Before you contact the dealership, make sure to browse any new vehicle specials or used vehicle specials to see if you can get your preferred vehicle at a discount. You should also consider waiting for holiday sales the dealership has to save even more on your purchase.

Find Your New Car at Dick Hannah RAM!

Now that you know how to buy a new car, browse our online inventory at Dick Hannah RAM! We have an extensive inventory of new and pre-owned CDJR models for you to consider for your next vehicle purchase. You can also use our online finance tools to help you apply for financing from your home and find the value of your trade-in vehicle. Learn more about liability insurance and the difference between used and Certified Pre-Owned vehicles with our finance team, and reach out to us with any of your questions. We look forward to helping you!