There are plenty of people within the United States who get by perfectly fine without owning their very own personal vehicle. In fact in some cities it almost makes more sense not to own a vehicle, as the public transportation is so easy to use and both widespread and intricate, getting people exactly where they need to go. But in other places it is nearly impossible to get by without the use of a personal car. And even in those cities where public transportation is so popular, there are individuals who will always prefer to get their on their own. Looking at new vehicles when you are thinking of making a purchase can be overwhelming, but if you prepare yourself ahead of time, you might have an easier time of it.
Brand new vehicles or pre-owned vehicles
Perhaps the first choice you will need to make, before ever stepping foot into a dealership or used car lot, is whether you will be looking at new vehicles for your potential purchase, or if you would better benefit from browsing used vehicle options. Purchasing a used car will typically be easier on your budget, and if you look for certified pre-owned vehicles, you will have the added peace of mind that you won’t be choosing a dud. It can sometimes be easier to negotiate an even better deal for a used car, while many times with brand new cars you are going to be paying pretty close to the price at which it is advertised. But it all depends on what you are looking for, and what is most important in a vehicle for you. Do you just need to get back and forth to the grocery store while your main mode of transportation is bus, subway or taxi? Do you need a recreational vehicle for when you want to adventure off road or explore new tracks and roads out of town? Do you need extra space for passengers or camping gear or pets? It may be wise to make a list of everything that you will be looking for before you are bombarded with choices.
Viewing a variety of vehicles
Vehicles are a relatively new invention for human beings, and when considering the age and development of the planet, these motorized machines are quite young in the grand scheme of things. But even over the course of the years we have had them at our disposal, there have been incredible technological leaps and advancements. The very first Model A sold for only $850. Today that price might get you a very used beater that will need a lot of work, or might be better used for parts. But in its day, that shiny brand new vehicle was a spectacle of modern advancement and progress. Its 2-cylinder engine was a wonder, and people had to see to believe that it could actually reach a speed of 30 miles per hour. And our obsession with new vehicles has not much waned over time. In 1964 after the release of a new flashy model, the following Christmas saw 94,000 pedal-powered toy cars for children sold, all resembling that shiny new car. And sometimes the most impressive model is one you would never expect. The famous 24 hour LeMans automobile race had a winner four straight years in a row that no one saw coming: a small vehicle that was only 40 inches high. So don’t rule out anything until you have all of the facts!
Buying a car can be a stressful process, but it also has the potential to be exciting and educational. You may just come out of your car buying experience a vehicle expert!
