How to Buy a New Car

The idea of driving home in a new car is very exciting, but the process of actually doing so may seem intimidating to prospective St. Louis car buyers. Whether you’ve had poor dealership experiences in the past, or are a first-time car buyer who feels overwhelmed figuring it all out, not to worry. In the following guide, we’ll break down the steps to when and how to buy a new car to help you see that it can be a simple, approachable, and exciting process.


When to Buy a New Car

First and foremost, you’ll want to be smart about when to buy a new car. Perhaps you’ve considered buying a new vehicle but you think your current car may still have some life in it. If you’ve been on the fence, be on the lookout for the following signs that it’s time to buy a new car:

  1. Are you frequently paying for maintenance and repairs? An old car that needs multiple, expensive repairs for fundamental parts may be more costly than investing in a new vehicle.
  2. Feeling unsafe in your current car on Herculaneum roads is another sign it’s time for a new ride. Modern cars come standard with safety technologies that many older models don’t have. In addition to more optimally running systems, you’ll also have peace of mind from innovative technology.
  3. Maybe your lifestyle or family situation has changed. Life events like getting married, having children, or even moving to a new environment with different terrain and weather can be impetus for a new vehicle. An SUV or a sedan with all-wheel-drive may be in order.
  4. A car that fails emissions tests may not be worth all the service and repairs it needs to get it up to standard. Compare the cost of service vs. the cost of a new vehicle to help you decide if it’s time to buy a new car.

Choosing a New Car

Now that you can determine when to buy a new car, let’s discuss how to buy a new car. Looking at your finances and giving yourself a budget will start you off strong. It will also help direct your search and make it less overwhelming. If you’re looking for guidance from an expert, Green Light Auto Credit is always here as a resource to you. Here are some other tips for choosing the new car that’s best for you:

Happy customer at Green Light Auto Credit
  1. Narrow your search based on your lifestyle in the greater Florissant area. Consider your cargo space needs, towing capacity, desired safety and tech features, or drivetrain.
  2. Choose your top three or four favorites, and dig a little deeper. Check safety ratings, expert and driver reviews, and schedule test drives.
  3. When you’ve made your ultimate decision, shop around for the best buying or leasing options from local dealerships.

Learn More From Green Light Auto Credit!

If you have more questions about buying your first car or a new car, Green Light Auto Credit is here to help. Learn more about types of car loans, how to get a car with poor credit or no credit, and more. Contact us today and we’ll help you get in the driver’s seat of a new car as soon and as smoothly as possible.