Purchasing a Vehicle: Are You Asking the Right Questions?

Choosing a vehicle is a lot like staring at a blank piece of paper. The hardest part is getting started. Today’s manufacturers offer dozens of models with plenty of trim levels to boot. How do you narrow your options down and find the vehicle that’s right for you? Some people choose a vehicle on looks alone, but it’s safe to say they’re probably not satisfied with their purchase down the road. Others buy based on price alone, but when excluding factors like comfort, safety, and reliability, a ‘bargain’ doesn’t always end up being the best deal.

At Granite Automotive, we suggest a more comprehensive approach. There are certain questions every consumer should ask before settling on such a large and important purchase. They include:

1. What size vehicle will best suit my needs? A large, medium-sized, or small one?
2. Do I need a vehicle with rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, or some sort of all-wheel or 4×4 system?
3. Do I prefer a soft ride, a sporty ride, or something in between?
4. How important is power and performance? Will I be towing anything in the future?
5. Do I need a vehicle with significant cargo space?
6. What kind of gas mileage is acceptable to me, both in town and on the highway?
7. Where does safety rank? Should I evaluate crash-test scores, side-curtain airbags, stability control, and break assist?
8. How important are the latest technology upgrades?
9. What level of warranty coverage do I require? Three years/36,000 miles or five years/50,000 miles?

By answering the above questions, you’ll automatically rule out a number of vehicles on the market. Now, for the biggest question: How much do you want to spend?

Never plan to purchase a vehicle without first determining the maximum amount of money you’re comfortable spending – and stick to it. This will help you adhere to your budget, and ultimately feel more confident in your purchase. After all, buying a vehicle should be a positive experience, not one that leaves you feeling strapped for cash each month. Also be sure to take the big picture into account. That includes interest, taxes, insurance, price of fuel – everything you will spend to own and drive the vehicle.

Now it’s time to let the fun begin. Make a list of the vehicles left that satisfy each question. Then visit Granite Automotive and see how it feels to sit in and drive each one. Consider every aspect, like the comfort of the seats, accessibility of controls, technology features, noise levels, blind spots, and the overall feel when driving the vehicle.

Chances are, when you find the right fit it won’t take long to recognize your next vehicle. The purchase process should be an enjoyable one, taking into account your specific wants and needs. At Granite Automotive, our team is here to help you pinpoint the next vehicle of your dreams. Come visit and get started today!

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