Buying a car is a necessity for many people. That’s why AMSOIL: Oil Options: James Peszko in Knightdale, NC put together this quick guide with all the information you’ll need to get a great deal. 

Create a Car Buying Budget

If you’re planning to buy a car, the first step is to know what type of budget you’ll be working with. Experts suggest that your transportation costs shouldn’t be more than 20% of your take-home pay. This means that the sum of your car payment, insurance, maintenance costs, and gas shouldn’t exceed this number. At this point, it’s also vital that you calculate your downpayment. Your downpayment is the initial payment you give for a vehicle, and it should be around 20% of the total cost of the car. Once you’ve calculated your downpayment, think of the length of your loan. These usually come in 12-month increments. Before heading to the dealership, calculate these costs, the downpayment you’ll have to negotiate with, and the length of your loan. Having this information on hand can help you negotiate the terms of your loan more effectively.

Keeping your vehicle in good condition is part of the commitment of buying a car. Your engine will benefit from a regular maintenance routine. If you’re unsure what products would be best for your engine, call James Peszko at (919) 618-9623 for advice, or visit AMSOIL’s online shop to place an order 24/7.

Choose a Car According to Your Needs

Now that you know how much you’re willing to pay for your car, it’s time to choose the type of car that will suit your needs. Ask yourself if you need a vehicle that handles long distances well or if it can transport large objects. If you want a family-friendly car, look into its safety features and the space in the back for car seats. Or, if you like riding on rugged roads, a 4x4 might work best for you. Luckily, there’s a car for everyone’s needs out there. Choosing if you want to get a new or used car is also essential when buying a car. There are advantages to both; for example, a used car might be less expensive, but you can get lower insurance rates and newer features on a new car. Do your research to know what you’re looking for once you visit the dealership.

Having a regular maintenance routine will help you have a reliable vehicle. For your car’s maintenance, use products like AMSOIL’s Signature Series 10W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil for better results. Call James Peszko at (919) 618-962 today, and speak to one of their trusted oil pros for advice. Once you’re ready to place an order, visit their online store.

Negotiate the Price and Terms

Once you’re clear on your budget and the type of car you’re looking for, it’s time to visit the dealership. You’ll need to negotiate the terms and price at the dealership, which can be tricky as you’ll go up against skilled negotiators who drive a hard bargain. Here are some tips for when you’re negotiating:

• Do your research: As mentioned above, it’s essential to do your research before going to a dealership. Be clear on what meets your needs and how much you’re willing to spend. It’s harder to convince you of add-ons and spending more money if you’re already set on a price and necessary features.
• Get emotions out of the equation: Being excited about buying a new car is normal, but getting it out of the way to negotiate better is essential. Try calming down before going to the dealership, and remember that you can always say no if the terms aren’t what you expected.
• Negotiate each part separately: Lately, negotiate each part of the deal separately. When you go to a dealership, you’re not only negotiating the price of the car, but you’ll also have to negotiate add-ons and financing. Insist on doing each separately, so you’re 100% clear about what you agree on.

Need Financing? Here Are Your Options

Lastly, if you’re buying a car, you most likely will need some type of financing. The financing terms will depend on your down payment, if you have another vehicle to trade-in, and the length you want your financing to be for. Generally speaking, there are two options to finance your car:

• Direct lending: This type of financing is when you go through a financial institution like a bank or credit union to buy your car.
• Dealership financing: When your financing goes through the dealership you’re working with.

When looking at your financing options, consider that more extended financing means higher interest rates, so choosing the shortest financing option is a good idea.

For better vehicle performance, have a reliable maintenance routine. Call James Peszko at (919) 618-9623 for the best oil products or visit AMSOIL’s online store anytime.