How to Buy a New Car in GREAT NECK, NY

When to Buy a New Car

Deciding to upgrade your Bayside commuter vehicle is a major financial decision, so the best place to start is knowing whether or not it’s time to purchase a new car. Here are some key indicators that will help you know when to buy a new car:

• You're Spending a lot of Money on Repairs–If you find yourself frequently paying for expensive repairs, at some point you’ll end up paying more for repairs than you would for a new car.
• Your Car Feels Unsafe to Drive–Have you ever worried about your safety or the safety of other drivers when behind the wheel of your car? If so, this is a tell-tale sign that it’s time to say goodbye.
• You’ve Gone Through a Major Lifestyle Change–If you intend to add some members to your existing family, upgrading to a larger vehicle like the GMC Acadia or the Buick Enclave is a great move to make.
• The Vehicle is Failing Emissions Tests– Getting your car up to standards can be costly, and sometimes opting for a new vehicle can be the most effective decision in the long run.

How to Buy a New Car: Choose the Right One

Once you’ve decided that the timing is right to purchase a new car, what are the next steps? A good place to start is establishing your budget and sticking to it. If you aren’t sure what your budget should be, reach out to our finance center experts who would be more than happy to assess your financial situation and help you find a payment plan that works. From there, you can follow the steps below to continue your car buying process:

• Narrow Your Search–Consider your driving habits, the amount of space you need, and the kind of technology and safety features you desire. Then, start searching for models that check off that list.
• Select Your Top Three Models–Find the top three models that meet your needs, then start conducting research on each of them. Look into their safety ratings, warranties, lifespan, etc. If your schedule allows, take them for a test drive to find out how they handle on Flushing roads.
• Request Price Quotes–Visit local dealerships and request price quotes for the vehicle you want. You’ll also want to research what other buyers have paid for that model.
• Keep a Lookout for Sales–Take advantage of major sale weekends or holidays like Black Friday or Presidents Day to get a great deal on a new vehicle.

Once you’ve followed the steps above, it’s time to head to the dealership of your choice to make it official!

How to Buy a New Car: Affording the Purchase

A key part of buying a new car is deciding how much you can afford. While securing the keys to a brand new car is exciting, it’s crucial to factor in the cost of the vehicle in conjunction with your other debts. According to U.S. News, your car payment shouldn’t put your monthly debts–including credit cards, student loans, rent, etc.–over a third of your monthly income. You’ll also need to factor in the following expenses that come with purchasing a car:

• New Car Sales Tax: This tax is non-negotiable and is typically added to your car loan amount.
• Interest Rate: The interest rate will affect your monthly payment. The lower your interest rate, the lower your monthly payment will be. It’s important to note that you only receive a lower interest rate if you qualify for it; not all drivers will qualify for a low interest rate based on their credit score.
• Trade-in Value: You can trade in your current vehicle for a new one. While most Roslyn dealerships will purchase the vehicle and apply that amount to your new car, if you still owe money on your current vehicle, the dealership will add that remaining cost to the new vehicle price.

When shopping with North Bay GMC, you can take advantage of our convenient online tools to streamline your car buying process. Complete our finance application for instant approval. Then, use the payment calculator to get an estimate of your monthly car payments.

Find Your New Car at North Bay GMC

Now that you know how to buy a car and when to buy a new car, turn to the experts at North Bay GMC to help you find the right model for your GREAT NECK lifestyle. Contact us today if you have any questions, or if you’d like to arrange a test drive.