Everyone has a different priority when it comes to shopping for a car. It could be finding a good deal, a vehicle that is safe for kids, or even a model with the latest features. With so many different vehicle types out there, choosing the right one can often be a challenge.
AutoTrader.com, the largest online auto classifieds site, offers the Lifestyle Center, a new tool that allows consumers to search for cars based on their lifestyle preferences, featuring Family Focus, Going Green, Smart Saver, Trend Watch and Work & Play sections. The Family Focus section was of most interest to me. This section provides the top researched SUVs, minivans and wagons, allowing consumers to see what their peers are looking at most often, and also includes articles and tips on topics like what to keep in the car in case of an emergency, what to look for in a family car, correct installation of a baby seat and more.
One of the articles that I found most helpful was focused on money-saving tips for car-shopping parents. How do you cut costs, especially when more kids and more stuff might mean getting a different car? According to AutoTrader.com, here are three money-saving tips to change the way you shop for a vehicle:
1. Pay for what you need.
The line between “need” and “want” is invisible sometimes, especially when you visit a car dealership. Logic tends to fly out the window when you take a test drive and imagine yourself behind the wheel of a new ride. Determine beforehand what you need versus what you want. Then, when it’s time to pick a vehicle, be willing to give in on a few “wants” to get a few more “needs.”
2. Walk through the week.
Think about what you should make a priority when it comes to car features. If you don’t usually watch DVDs on trips then don’t make a DVD player a priority. If a third-row seat is something you’ll never use, then skip that, too. Imagine how you’ll use the car during an average week and then shop against that reality.
3. Think about maintenance.
It’s not fun to think about the maintenance costs for a car you haven’t purchased yet. Test drives are fun. Turning up the stereo and kicking the tires, those activities are enjoyable. But to cut ownership costs, investigate your potential maintenance costs. Information is available online and in magazines, but you can also talk to mechanics. Ask the person who changes your oil about models that have bad repair records. Speak with a friend who repairs cars or even ask one of the employees of the shop at a dealership. You’d be surprised how easy it is to get good information.
These are just a few of the many ways you can cut the cost of your next family vehicle.
Visit http://www.autotrader.com/lifestyle to access the Lifestyle Center, learn more about the right type of car for you and find some more helpful articles and tips.
This article was provided to theMomBuzz.com
Thank you for sharing the info.