Are you in need of a new or used vehicle but don’t know what you can afford? It’s always wise to sit down and figure out your exact budget before making a decision to purchase a vehicle. You don’t want to go in unprepared, and you don’t want to be pressured or hassled into something you will regret down the line.

 

• If you know the make and model of the vehicle you would like to look at, do your research on it first. If you are not exactly sure, start with the body type of vehicle that will best serve your needs, then decide what your top priorities are. 
• Consider a lower trim. If you have fallen in love with a particular car, but it is just out of your budget, search for the same model in a lower trim level. It may not have all the bells and whistles, but it will generally look and perform the same. 
• Get a vehicle history report of each vehicle you are researching. This is important when buying a used vehicle. Often times at a dealership, a vehicle history report comes with every used car they sell.
• When contacting the dealership, ask for the price up front. Let them know the maximum you can pay per month, and they may be able to find something that fits your budget. 
• Find out what the service records are. You want to know that the car is well maintained.
• Consider buying a Certified Pre-Owned car from your dealership. This way you know it has passed an extensive inspection and meets program standards.