A stress-free guide to changing a car. How to buy a new vehicle, and what to do with the old one?
Changing a car may be a pretty stressful process. Whether you are upgrading or looking for a bigger vehicle because your family is growing or want to find a car that will require less maintenance than your current vehicle, it is essential to consider a whole number of parameters to find the one that will eventually fit all your goals and expectations.
In this article, we shall provide a simple guide to finding a new vehicle and provide several variants for getting rid of the old one to help you get the most out of the deal and make the transition smooth and stress-free.
What kind of car are you looking for?
Searching for a new car, many people make a huge mistake considering the vehicle’s price tag only. However, except for the down payment and monthly payments, it is essential to think about such things as maintenance, fuelling, insurance, etc.
Buying a new vehicle, you need to keep in mind those inevitable additional payments and make your choice based on your current financial situation and perspectives. Want to reduce fueling costs? Consider hybrid or electric vehicles. Want to spend less time in the garage and save on maintenance? A second-hand car may not be the best choice for you.
Are you going to buy a new or a second-hand car?
Many people are sure that buying a used car will save them a great deal of money. Others, vice versa, call used cars “money pits” and prefer to invest in new vehicles.
In fact, both options have their pros and cons.
Pros of buying a new vehicle:
- A new car will “eat” less fuel;
- You will probably have to spend less time and money on maintenance;
- A new car won’t have any “history” and risk of unpleasant surprises;
- A new car comes with new technologies that make your driving safe and more comfortable.
Cons of buying a new car:
- Limited choice;
- Risk of manufacturing defects and call-offs;
- Higher price and insurance payments.
Pros of buying a second-hand car:
- Wider choice of models, colors, and configurations;
- Lower prices;
- More research options that help you choose the exact vehicle that fits your expectations and needs;
- It is easier to find a car service and garage that have experience with your exact model.
Cons of buying a second-hand car:
- Lower fuel efficiency;
- Potentially higher maintenance needs and costs;
- No warranty.
As you see, both options have considerable advantages and pitfalls. It is essential to keep in mind why, when, and who you are buying the car from, estimate your budget and consider the risks of both cases to avoid disappointment after replacing a vehicle.
What to do with the old car?
Buying a new car can be a “pleasant trouble,” but getting rid of the old one can turn into a real headache. And while selling it may be the first and only thing that comes to mind, there are other options you may want to consider depending on your current situation and expectations.
Sell your old car
It may seem like the best and most logical option, but selling your old car may have its pitfalls and peculiarities. It all depends on how you are planning to do it.
- Selling the car yourself – with the development of social media and various marketplaces, selling your car may have never been easier. It may also seem like the most lucrative way to get rid of the old vehicle. However, you need to keep in mind that selling the car yourself, you will have to take care of its cleaning, some minor repairs that will make it look most marketable, history and documentation;
- Selling through a dealership – if you need to get rid of the old vehicle as soon as possible, selling it to a dealer may be the best option. However, in this case, be ready that you will probably be offered the lowest price possible. Trade-in is a good option if you are planning to replace the vehicle right away. Make sure to discover all options before closing the deal.
Donate your old car
Donation is often considered the fastest, easiest, and most unpaid way to get rid of an old vehicle. It is not entirely true. First of all, not all non-profit organizations may be ready to accept your vehicle considering its conditions. At the same time, there are places that will even gladly accept even a totaled car after an accident. In other words, you may have to do some research and make several phone calls before you find someone who will take the old car off your hands.
The good news, a donation to an IRS-approved organization can be claimed in your taxes and have a positive effect on your overall lifetime exemption.
Junkyard
If you are not planning to make any profit from getting rid of your car and don’t think that anyone will accept it even as a donation, go directly to the closest junkyard. Some of them will help you with transportation or even pay some money for your vehicle.
Keeping your car in perfect condition is the key to staying safe on the road and saving a lot of money on maintenance and repairs.
Contact OHS Body Shop today whether you are looking for a routine check-up, an urgent repair, or pre-sale maintenance. Visit one of our branches located all over Montana’s Greater Flathead Valley, in Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls and Polson, meet our team and make sure that your vehicle is always safe and comfortable to drive.