What to Look for When Purchasing a New Car or Motorcycle

Buying a new vehicle can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you are buying a car, truck, or motorcycle, there are so many options to choose from. New or used, as well as make, model, and features – it can be difficult to even know where to begin.

At Tate Law Offices, P.C., we know that finding a safe, reliable vehicle is likely your No. 1 concern. That is why we have put together this guide to help you know what to look for and which questions to ask when buying a new vehicle.

Considerations Before Buying a Car or Motorcycle

Before you begin shopping, be sure to do some preliminary research. Some aspects you should consider before ever visiting a dealership include:

• Financing options – Consider how much you will be able to afford as a down payment and how much you may be able to spend per month. While your dealership may offer you financing, it is good to consider financing from other places as well, like your bank or credit union.
• Your credit score – Your credit score will impact what kind of interest rate you will be offered. This will affect the ultimate price of your vehicle and can determine what you can afford.
• Reviews of the make and model – If you have a certain vehicle in mind, be sure to read up on it before making a decision.
• Safety – Consider the manufacturer’s safety and reliability track record, recent recalls and other safety issues that might either persuade you to buy or give you cause for concern.
• Dealership reputations – Different dealerships may have different ways of handling customers and may offer different prices on certain vehicles. Read online reviews to find out what type of experience other customers have had.

You should consider all of these aspects whether you are in the market for a new vehicle or a used one. Doing so will help narrow down which dealerships you visit and what vehicles you would like to test drive.

What to Look for During the Test Drive

Whether you are purchasing a new or used car or motorcycle, be sure to take it out for a test drive. Make sure your test drive goes on city streets, roads and highways so you can check a variety of things, including:

• How responsive the vehicle is to turns, acceleration, and braking
• How the vehicle shifts
• How the vehicle performs in stop-and-go traffic
• If the engine runs smoothly
• If the engine is loud or the brakes make any unpleasant or unusual noises
• If the vehicle’s electronics are working properly
• If you have any misgivings at all, do not hesitate to ask your salesperson about them.

Questions to Ask When Buying a New Car or Motorcycle

Whether you are buying a new or used car or motorcycle, there are a few questions you will always want to ask your salesperson. These include:

• What is the gas mileage?
• How long is the warranty?
• Are there any common issues with this make and model?
• Are there any additional amenities in this vehicle?
• Are there any additional fees?
• What is the total price of the vehicle?

If you are interested in purchasing a used car or motorcycle, you should ask these additional questions:

• What is the car’s history? You can also find this information or verify the seller’s claims by looking at the title or using a service like CarFax.
• Can I see the car’s repair records?

Beyond these important questions, don’t hesitate to ask any question that comes to mind while you are shopping. Purchasing a car or motorcycle that does not perfectly suit your needs is much worse than feeling pushy or annoying. If a salesperson can’t give you a suitable answer to any of your questions, it might be time to move on to a new vehicle or new dealership to ensure you get the perfect new car or motorcycle. Contact our office today for more information.