Online shopping is more popular than ever, and that also goes for buying new or used vehicles. Buying a car online has many advantages, including the speed and convenience of choosing a car without leaving the comfort of your home. Follow these five tips to ensure you get a real deal and not a dud.
1. Set your budget Besides a house, a vehicle may be your most expensive asset, so you’ll need to be careful when setting your budget. The sticker price of the car is one thing, but you also need to consider taxes, plus the monthly costs of gasoline, maintenance, winter tires and, of course, auto insurance. There can be a large difference in price from one car to another, it is a good idea to call your broker before you purchase. Depending on your budget, you may need to choose whether to lease, finance or buy the car outright. Shop and compare car loan interest rates and terms. Many car dealerships offer lower rates than financial institutions, some as low as zero percent. 2. Decide on a new or used vehicle With a budget in mind, decide between a brand-new car and a used model. Many used cars are available online via social media buy-and-sell groups and other websites intended for selling used vehicles. Consider “slightly-used” models – vehicles that car dealerships have used for employees and customer test drives. These cars have some mileage on them but are otherwise new vehicles you can purchase for a fraction of the cost of brand-new ones. 3. Do your research You can gather a lot of information about the makes and models online from your laptop or smartphone. Look for third-party customer reviews, independent blogs and automotive media sources for information. Research the service needs and resale value of any car you’re considering. 4. Test drive You can make an online appointment for a test drive through many dealerships, who’ll bring the car to your door. Some dealers offer this service free of charge. Once you pull the trigger on the sale, you’ll then have to fill in some more paperwork and visit the bank if you’re not leasing or financing the sale through the dealer. 5. Purchase insurance Once you purchase your new vehicle and get it registered, you’ll need to get proper car insurance as required by Nova Scotia law. The easiest way to do this is to speak to an experienced and trusted insurance broker to go over your options. Be sure to have information about your vehicle with you, including the vehicle identification number (VIN), a list of all drivers and their license numbers and the use of the vehicle. Affordable Auto Insurance in Nova Scotia At Eisenhauer Insurance Inc., we can help you find a comprehensive car insurance policy with affordable rates. We also specialize in high-risk auto insurance with 24/7 emergency claims assistance. Contact us today at one of our two locations in Nova Scotia to learn more about our services and schedule a consultation with an experienced insurance broker.
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