What Should I Do Before I Buy A New Car?

What Should I Do Before I Buy A New Car in Eugene, OR?
We get it — you never want to rush into buying a brand-new car. That’s why the team here at Volkswagen Eugene wants to share some tips and tricks to keep in mind for this big investment. A little preparation goes a long way — so keep reading, and by the end, you’ll be a car-buying pro!

Get Pre-Approved
First things first, you’ll want to get pre-approved for credit before buying a new car. This financial pre-approval process will determine your purchasing power and assist you in crafting your budget. Our finance team highly recommends putting 20 percent down, limiting your loan term to no more than 60 months and maintaining your monthly payments below 10 percent of your monthly income. However, keep in mind that these numbers may vary depending on your credit score and history. Don’t forget to include annual maintenance costs and insurance into your configuration — these can add a lot to your final number!

Research
Once you’ve been pre-approved, you can start researching since you also have gathered an idea as to what your budget looks like. Feel free to look at manufacturers’ websites, our inventory and third-party websites like Kelley Blue Book® and Edmunds. Through these various resources, you can compare prices, make a list of the features you want to have in your next car and look up awards and safety ratings for the vehicles you’re considering. Keep in mind the body style that will suit your lifestyle and stick to those models while you’re shopping around.

Value Your Trade
Did you know that you can lower your monthly payments significantly when you trade in your current model? Utilize the Kelley Blue Book® trade appraisal tool so you can get an accurate quote in minutes — simply enter your vehicle’s information to get started. Once you receive your estimate, you can bring it to us and we’ll verify your quote and model in person. Then, we’ll give you a cash offer that can be placed toward your new model.

Test-Drive
Don’t make your decision based on online pictures alone — take the model for a spin before you sign on the dotted line! Take your time with this part of the process and tinker with all the features that are at your fingertips. Do you like how the vehicle drives? Does it have all the space you need? Since a member of our team will be sitting right next to you during your drive, we’ll be able to answer any questions you may have along the way. We can’t wait to help you find the perfect ride!
Interested in purchasing or leasing a new Volkswagen? Contact us or visit our dealership at 89320 N. Game Farm Rd., Eugene, OR 97408. We look forward to serving our customers from Springfield, Salem, Roseburg and Albany.