Buying a car is rated as one of the top stressful experiences adults will have to go through at some point in their lives. The good news is that today buying a car has changed for the better due to mobile technology. 

If you’re interested in buying a new or used car in 2021, there are simple steps/tips you can follow to save stress and money,  including choosing a bumper-to-bumper warranty or vehicle service contract (referred to as mechanical breakdown insurance in states like California) to cover your car repairs in the long term.

Here are 5 steps to take and keep in mind during your car buying journey.

1. Research your car and features beforehand

Luckily today it’s not necessary for you to visit countless dealerships for your first step. Websites like Autotrader, KBB and Cars are very helpful when researching and comparing car reliability, features, quality and prices.

If you arrive at the dealership already equipped with knowledge about the car you want, you’re more likely to get a better deal.

2. Locate your car

Today most dealerships will list their car inventories online. You can check any of the major dealerships in your area for the car make (as well as model and year, if you know them) and see what’s available. In most cases, you’ll be able to check for the color and special features you want.

Follow the steps on the dealership’s website and you’ll be able to schedule a test drive. 

3. Take advantage of the test drive

Many car buyers are choosing to not take advantage of the test drive. According to recent consumer statistics, many people say they’re fine buying a car without a test drive as long as there is a guarantee. Also, in the past few years, simply watching test drive videos on YouTube has become popular. 

Despite these trends, don’t skip the test drive.

You should test drive a few different models. You should be checking many things while on your test drive, like how comfortable you are on the seat while driving, what the brakes and suspension feel like, if there’s enough room for your things inside, etc.

3. Shop around for the best prices

After you’re sure you know the car you’d like to buy, you can contact various dealerships (at least three) in your area to compare prices. It’s easy to compare prices via call, text or email. Dealerships can send you emails with attachments of price sheets with MSRP, fees, taxes, trade-in allowance, incentives, rebates and bottom line.

You can inform the dealers of lower prices you’ve received and they’ll attempt to beat the competitors with lower prices. Remember that your goal is to negotiate a price that’s closest to the wholesale price.

4. Carefully read contract and close the deal 

When you agree with a dealership on the price, financing and fees, you can choose to buy at the dealership or have the car and paperwork delivered to your home. 

People usually prefer to finish the sale at the dealership, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic things may be shifting. Having the new car delivered to your home actually saves time and allows you to steer clear of the dealership, which is a high-pressure environment where you may not be as careful while reviewing the contract and checking that there are no extra fees.

5. Beware of bad extended warranties

If you choose to close the deal at the dealership once you’ve successfully negotiated and gotten a great price for your car, don’t relax and think it’s all over. You still have to make sure you’re not being sold overpriced extras, like a bad extended warranty.

New cars come with a manufacturer’s warranty that normally covers any factory defects that result in major repairs, but they only last for the first three years. For used cars or cars that are older than three years, vehicle service contracts can cover the costs of any big repairs on your car. To avoid big sudden repair bills, vehicle service plans can be a great option. But plans have to offer the right coverage and give you a fair price. 

Take your time when buying the car that’s right for you, with the features and extras you really need. Don’t be pressured by an aggressive salesperson when you’re finalizing your purchase.

What is Vehicle Repair Protection?

Vehicle Repair Protection is coverage that’s similar to a bumper-to-bumper warranty from the manufacturer. After a new car’s manufacturer warranty ends, Vehicle Repair Protection takes away the burden of paying for car repairs on your own—on an affordable monthly plan. When anything goes wrong, you choose the repair shop and start your claim at the touch of a button though the app.

Uproar.car has created vehicle breakdown coverage that is simple, trustworthy and affordable. Transforming the extended car warranty marketplace through technology and transparency, Uproar.car offers a full suite of worry-free, no haggle car care plans through low-cost, 100% online, monthly subscriptions that drivers can sign up for in less than five minutes. Get an instant quote today!

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