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Why is it that, when the time comes to buy something, you can’t find what you need? In some cases, it’s just Murphy’s Law at play. In other cases, perhaps you’re just not looking in exactly the right place. If you are looking for quality used cars that fit a variety of budgets, you should be looking at Coyle Chevrolet Buick GMC. We have hundreds of used vehicles at our Louisville used car dealership at any given time, including hybrids, sedans, SUVs, trucks, and vans. We understand that everyone has very individual needs when it comes to selecting a used car. From our Certified Pre-Owned collection to budget-friendly options, we’re happy to help you find a used car that works for your lifestyle.
Shopping for a used car can seem very complicated and overwhelming, but the experts here have a few tips for first-timers who might be looking for a little extra guidance in the process. From finding your absolute dream car to narrowing down a bunch of options that might just work, we understand that shopping for a used car can be nerve-wracking, so check out our tips to help keep you organized and relaxed along the way!
Identifying your budget is probably the least exciting part of car shopping, but it’s also the most important. Having a great car that you can’t drive is just as bad as having no car at all. Most experts recommend that you should spend no more than 10% of your monthly take-home pay on your car payment. If your monthly income varies or your expenses fluctuate from month to month, you may want to check out a payment calculator. For your convenience, you can find a simple payment calculator on our site. This tool allows you to enter the price of a vehicle you might be considering, then find loan terms that best match your payment needs. Then you’ll see what the monthly payment would be when you finance that particular vehicle.
If you find a car that’s over your budget, be careful before you take the plunge. In addition to your car payment, you’ll also need to consider auxiliary expenses, like gasoline, oil changes and other maintenance, and auto insurance. You can get a rough estimate of how much you spend each month on gasoline by multiplying the number of miles you typically drive each month by the highest price you have paid recently per gallon of gasoline. Most insurance companies will also allow you to request a quote for any vehicle you might be considering. Bear in mind that if you’re financing your vehicle, you’ll likely need to look at the cost of both collision and comprehensive coverage. Altogether, you should plan to spend no more than 15-20% of your monthly take-home pay on your new-to-you vehicle.
Next, you’ll want to really consider what kind of vehicle you need. As much as it hurts to admit, there is often a big jump between what we want and what we need. However, automotive manufacturers are starting to appreciate that fact more and more, resulting in trims and packages that make sense for a variety of drivers and ensuring there’s a touch of fun amidst all the practical features.
Take the time to consider what you really need out of your vehicle. If you are often visiting muddy, rocky job sites or pulling trailers, a truck might be the best bet for you. If you feel uncomfortable with large vehicles or need to be able to nimbly maneuver through tight city streets, a sedan or hybrid might be calling your name.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself when you’re thinking about what you need out of a used car:
Try to work through these items in order of essential to not-as-necessary. Identify areas where you’re willing to compromise and where you simply cannot. For example, if you have carpool duties for three children, a four-door vehicle with a roomy rear seat would probably make life a lot easier than a two-door that has the sound system you prefer.
If you’re having trouble deciding what options make the most sense for you– especially when comparing two very similar models– you are always welcome to stop by our dealership. Our friendly sales team will be happy to answer your questions, as well as show you some models that demonstrate the features you’d like to learn more about.
Once you have your budget finalized and have your needs organized, you’re ready to start shopping! With our online used car shopping tool, you’ll be able to narrow down your used car shopping options to include specific models, trims, body styles, and even transmission types. But just because a vehicle looks good on paper doesn’t mean you’ll absolutely love it. We recommend test driving a few different models to get a feel for each specific vehicle. A vehicle is a big investment, and you want to put your money into something you’ll feel confident and comfortable driving every day for several years to come.
When on your test drive, make sure that you feel comfortable reaching the infotainment center’s knobs or touchscreen. Does the vehicle have enough pickup and braking power? Are the driver assistance features laid out in a way that they can help you drive safely? Are there any weird noises or nuances of the car that you don’t think you can live with? Remember, there are always more vehicles on the market, and at Coyle Chevrolet Buick GMC, we want to make sure you feel very confident with your purchase before we proceed to the selection process!
Contrary to popular belief, it is ok to take your time when choosing a new-to-you used car. You may have a deadline to act on certain deals or savings opportunities, but it’s important that you feel clear and comfortable with everything you’re getting in your new car. We encourage you to ask questions at every step.
Not everyone is an automotive expert, after all, and we’re happy to share our knowledge and experience with our customers. It’s ok to ask for explanations and clarifications along the way. Once you’ve made your selection, there will be a lot of paperwork to sign. Take your time with this process. We encourage you to read the documents and let us know if you have questions.
For many people, figuring out financing plans is the hardest part of the purchasing step. You have to look at various interest rates and loan terms and try to determine if a 72-month loan at 4% is more advantageous than a 64-month loan at 6%. It’s not easy, which is why we’ve hired trained professionals to help you out.
Our finance team appreciates your budget, and we will do our best to find financing plans and loan options that make sense for your situation. We’ll take into consideration your trade-in, your down payment, as well as any specials or deals that will apply to you and your vehicle. We even provide you with tools on our website to help you get started with applying for financing and valuing your trade in.
When shopping for a used vehicle, you may find you need a little help. Coyle Chevrolet Buick GMC is a Louisville used car dealership you can trust to provide you with the information and details you need to select the best car for you and your lifestyle. The process may seem really big and daunting, but by breaking it down into a few easy-to-digest steps, it can seem a little more manageable.
Start out by determining your budget and what you can comfortably afford. Then start considering what you need from a used car, truck, or SUV. Start shopping for vehicles that match these needs as closely as possible, paying close attention to where you can and cannot compromise. Next, you’ll head to the dealership to test drive a few promising options and make your final choice. With the assistance of the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Coyle Chevrolet Buick GMC, you’ll be driving home in a vehicle that you can enjoy for many years to come!
