If a new car is on your agenda for 2019, make sure you are an expert on the art of car shopping before you get started. Deals abound as well as tricks of the trade that you can employ to protect your pocketbook, your stress levels and ensure your new vehicle is perfect for you! The great news is the car buyers have more information at their disposal than ever before and with online car shopping on the rise, the marketplace is wider which means buyers have more power.
Stats To Know Before You Start Car Shopping
- According to Auto Trader, in 2016, car buyers spent upwards of 59 percent of their buying time researching online.
- According to a J.D. Power survey, 53 percent of automotive internet shoppers use mobile phones as their preferred device to search for automotive information.
- A 2018 Cox Automotive report states that current new car buyers spend an average of 12 hours and 31 minutes on the buying journey while used car buyers spend 15 hours and 20 minutes on average.
The Ultimate Car Buying Guide
Leasing Versus Buying A New Car Or Truck
The Lowdown On The Ongoing Debate – Husbands and wives debate this topic in households across America. Chances are each has made a strong case for their respective side. So, who wins the argument of which is better to buy a new car or to lease a car? The answer is it depends. It’s not a one-size-fits-all proposition. (Sorry to those who are sure they’re right!)
Leasing
In Support Of Leasing – Car prices continue to rise. In 2019, average new car prices are estimated to rise upwards of $35,000. The reason is simple. Manufacturers are dealing with stiff competition and well as increasing costs of materials and labor. This is among the reasons that leasing is preferred by a large number of auto consumers:
- Leasing can help the consumer get into a car, truck or SUV at a cheaper monthly price tag than buying. (In other words, you can drive more car for less money).
- Leasing is great for the consumer that always wants to drive a new car. Typical leases are two to three years in length meaning, you can trade that slightly used model in for a brand new one every few years and always savor the new car smell.
- Leasing always is somewhat hassle-free. You are in the car when it’s most reliable (during its low mileage, first few years). It’s also typically covered by the manufacturer’s warranty for added peace of mind.
- Leasing may provide tax advantages to business owners who used their leased vehicle for work-related purposes.
Buying
Why some consumers prefer the buying option – The cost of leasing is not as low as it used to be. In fact, the price tag associated with leasing a car has been creeping up in past years for many of the same reasons that buying a car has. In fact, leaseguide.com reports that the acquisition fee for leasing is on the rise approaching $1000 even for non-luxury cars. In addition, routine lease-end fees remained are now rising too, approaching $400 or more. The costs of leasing aren’t as low as they used to be and that’s not all:
- Your lease typically restricts your annual mileage. So, if you have a long commute to work or go on a lot of road trips, leasing may not work for you.
- Your lease must be kept in very good condition. Any wear and tear outside what is considered “normal” may cost you money when you turn in your lease. If you are rough on your vehicles or have young children that tend to make messes in the interior, a lease might not work for you.
- Leasing a car is like having an infinite monthly loan payment. You’ll never “pay off” your lease and be free from the monthly payment.
- Your leased car does not belong to you. Meaning you can’t personalize your car in any permanent way — not tinted windows, no engine modifications, etc.
New Versus Used Vehicles
All That’s Shiny Is Not Gold – That new car smell gets many consumers fired up and ready to shop for the car of their dreams, that’s never been driven by anyone else! We get it, who doesn’t love bright, shiny things? But, the truth is the financial advantages of buying a used (or slightly used) car can often outweigh the thrill of the new car buying experience.
The Case for Buying New Automobiles
While nearly every aspect of buying a used car over a new car saves you money, there are a few noteworthy new car purchase advantages.
Time-saving – No need to bring the car to a mechanic, check it accident record or drive it around listening for strange noises.
Financing options – New cars typically come with incentives to lure buyers, such as cash rebates and new car loans offer better interest rates.
Latest technology – New cars have the best tech to make your life easier and safer behind the wheel.
Savvy Buyers Buy Used Cars
Financially-savvy auto buyers prefer buying used cars – The primary they prefer new cars over used ones is the depreciation factor. If your new car’s price tag is $30,000 and you can only sell it for 50 percent of its original value three years later, the cost of owning that car is $15,000. Of course, there are a few more reasons to consider used car shopping if you’re in the market this year:
More buying power – Because of what you save in depreciation, you might be able to get more car for your “buck.” While you might not be able to afford a brand new Mercedes, your budget might allow for a five-year-old model that has low mileage!
Lower ancillary costs – Your cost to register and insure your used vehicle in most cases will be lower. These costs should definitely be researched and factored in before driving your new car off the lot.
Reliability trends – Cars are more reliable and safer than ever before. Your five-year-old car still has many more miles to go before it has any problem other than normal wear and tear, making the stigma of the unreliable used car a thing of the past.
Shopping For A Car Online Increases Your Buying Options
Does hopping for your new (or used) car from the comfort of your home in your pajamas sound good to you? We’re pretty sure you answered yes to that question! From car vending machines like the ones promoted by Carvana to e-Commerce pioneers like eBay, online car buying is on the rise. And, just like all online buying, and it’s easier and less risky than you might imagine. Be sure to check out these tips before you begin your online car search:
Be leary of fraud – In today’s day and age, you have to protect yourself. Only deal with reputable companies and never wire money to anyone who does not check out. Also, if the seller is rushing you. This is a sign that something is afoul.
Do your research – Understand your car’s value, it’s current condition and verify the facts provided to you by the seller.
Plan for auto transport – If the car, truck, SUV or motorcycle your considering is located on the other side of your state or out of state, will you be able to drive it back or will you need to select a car shipping service? If your seller provides that service, be sure to check their prices against leading auto transporters like Direct Connect Auto Transport. Also, be sure to inquire as to how your new car will be protected during its shipment to you.
Direct Connect Auto Transport, the leader in car shipping since 2001, is here to help you bring your new or used vehicle purchase home affordably and safely. We offer world-class insurance and a damage-free guarantee with every car shipping service. Our carrier network is the largest in the country and we’re rated A+ with the Better Business Bureau.
Comments by John Costelac