How to Buy a New Car

Searching for the right new car to help improve your commute from Neptune Beach to Orange Park? Whether you’re tired of poor dealership experiences or you simply don’t know how to start, the finance team here at Honda of the Avenues can help. We work hard to offer an affordable and transparent purchasing experience, so you can find your new St. Augustine without the hassles other Jacksonville-area dealerships offer. Learn when to buy a new car and how to buy a new car with our expert team below!

When to Buy a New Car

Making the plunge into a new car takes diligence and planning. So, how do you know when to buy a new car? If the following scenarios sound familiar, the time is right to make an automotive upgrade:

1. Frequent breakdowns are wasting your money and time. Eventually, the repair bills will be more expensive than the cost of buying a new car. 
2. If you feel uneasy behind the wheel, need we say more? An unsafe car can be expensive and hazardous. 
3. You may have been at a different phase of your life when you bought your current car. Perhaps now you need a larger model to accommodate your growing family or weekend hobbies. Upgrading with a new Honda Odyssey is a great choice for adding extra space and Honda Sensing® safety features. 
4. Failing emissions tests? Getting your vehicle in working condition to pass these tests can be fairly expensive. It may be more beneficial in the long run to make an upgrade. 

How to Find Your Ideal New Car

Now that you’ve decided you’re ready to buy a new ride, where do you begin? The first step is to set a budget and stick with it. You can learn how to buy a new car through the steps below:

1. Narrow your search. Think about your habits behind the wheel, space requirements, seating needs, and the features you desire. Then select models that match your wishlist. 
2. Pick your top three models. From here, you can research the safety ratings, cost of ownership, reliability, and more to see which model is right for you.
3. Do a local search once you’ve narrowed down your top selection. This will help you see what local drivers have paid, so you can be prepared to negotiate.
4. Check your calendar. Are there any holidays coming up? Holiday weekend sales can help you save big on an automotive purchase. 

How to Afford a New Car

When you’re ready to buy, and you have your top model in mind, the time is right to take a closer look at your budget. How much can you truly afford to spend on a new car? While upgrading is always exciting, it’s important to consider the cost of a new vehicle in conjunction with your other debts. The experts at U.S. News report that your car payment should not put your monthly debts beyond one-third of your monthly income. As you set your budget, keep the following costs in mind:

• New Car Sales Tax: This is a non-negotiable fee added to your loan amount.

• Interest Rate: The interest rate on your loan will impact your monthly payment obligation. If your rate is lower, then your payment will be more affordable. Your credit score will play a large role in determining what type of loan and interest rate you secure. 

• Trade-in Value: You can leverage the value of your current vehicle to reduce what you owe on your purchase. If you sell us your car, the sale price will be added to your downpayment to reduce the capital of your loan. You can use our trade-in value tool to see an estimate of what we will pay for your vehicle.

What’s more, we offer an array of online shopping tools to make your purchase easier. You can set your budget with our monthly payment calculator and even get pre-approved for an auto loan from the comfort of home!

Find Your New Car at Honda of the Avenues 

Here at Honda of the Avenues, we have an incredible variety of new cars in stock. If you need something bold and rugged, you can upgrade with a Honda Pilot. If you prefer a more agile option, you can secure the keys to a Honda Civic with ease. Be sure to explore our new vehicle specials for additional savings before you buy. In the meantime, contact us with any questions!