How To Buy A New Car

Whether it’s your first time shopping for a vehicle or you are considering a brand-new ride, you’ve come to the right place. At South Hills Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT®, we want to help Venetia drivers shop confidently and seamlessly, which is why we’ve created this guide on buying a new car. We’ll go over how to decide if now is the right time to opt for a new vehicle, how to find your ideal model, and how to afford this purchase. 

When To Buy A New Car

It’s a hefty financial decision, so the best place to start is simply knowing whether it’s time to buy a new car. Here’s how you’ll know it’s time to take that leap:

1. You constantly find yourself paying for expensive repairs, impacting both your wallet and your time. At some point, you’ll be paying more for repairs in a year than you would for a new car.
2. You’ve felt unsafe driving your car. Need we say more? The last thing you want is to get in an accident, so if you’ve ever questioned your car’s safety, it’s time to say farewell.
3. Perhaps you were a bachelor/bachelorette when you first bought your car, but now you find yourself married with a baby on the way! You may want to consider upgrading to models like the Jeep®  Grand Cherokee or the Dodge Durango.
4. Is your car failing emissions tests? Getting it up to snuff can be costly, and opting for a newer model may save you money in the long run.

How To Find Your Ideal New Car

You’ve decided the time is right to buy a new car, but where to begin? A good place to start is to set a budget and stick to it. If you have trouble, our finance center is happy to help you find a budget and payment plan that works. Below is a step-by-step guide on what comes next:

1. Narrow your search. Consider your driving habits, cargo space requirements, and desired technology and safety features, then start searching for models that meet your needs.
2. Pick your top three models, then research your top choices’ safety ratings, reliability, lifespan, etc. If you have the time, take a test drive in each model to learn how they handle on Upper St. Clair streets.
3. When you’ve decided on a final choice, do a local search to see your dealership options and request price quotes, and be sure to research what other shoppers have paid. 
4. Take into consideration any big upcoming sale weekends or holidays that might come with really good deals, like Black Friday or Presidents Day.

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

How To Afford A New Car

You’ve decided on the car you want, now it’s time to take a closer look at your budget. How much can you afford to spend on a car? While getting a new car is exciting, it’s important to factor in the cost of the vehicle in conjunction with your other debts. According to U.S. News, your car payment should not put your monthly debts–including credit cards, student loans, rent, etc.–over a third of your monthly income. When you purchase a new car, you should also keep in mind these additional costs that will be tacked on:

• New Car Sales Tax: This tax is non-negotiable and is typically added to your car loan amount.
• Interest Rate: Your car’s interest rate will also impact your monthly payments. If your rate is lower, then your monthly payment will be lower. However, it’s important to note that you only receive a lower interest rate if you qualify, and not all drivers qualify based on their credit score. 
• Trade-in Value: If you currently own a car, you can trade it in for the new one you want. While most dealers will purchase the car from you and apply that amount to your new car, if you still owe money on your current vehicle, the dealership will tack that remaining cost onto the new vehicle price. Our online value your-trade tool can give you an instant appraisal of your current vehicle. 

Luckily, you can contact our finance department, and we’ll help you determine what kind of vehicle fits your budget. You can also utilize our online tools, like the finance application for instant approval, as well as the payment calculator that will provide you with an estimate of what your new car’s monthly payments will be.

Find Your Next Ride In Our McMurray Dealership Today!

Whether you’re coming from Bethel Park or McMurray, you’ll want to check out our selection of the latest Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and RAM models. We have something for every driver, and we can’t wait to help you find your match!