Updated at: 26-09-2023 - By: Lucas

Before you go out and buy a random vehicle that you don’t know much about, it’s important that you take time to consider all of your options.

From loans to delivery, we’ll cover everything you need to know about buying and shipping a vehicle.

Let’s get started.

Choosing Your New Ride 

1. Budget

Your budget is going to determine most importantly what you can afford. Nowadays, getting loans is getting tougher and tougher with the climbing interest rates. That’s why it’s a good idea to get a loan pre-approved before you arrive at any dealership or buy online.

With the loan pre-approved, you’ll know exactly how much you can spend on your vehicle. Lease costs are climbing at an exponential rate, so now may be a good time to consider fully purchasing the vehicle.

While you may lose out on money in the long run, if you plan to keep the car for around 10 years, you’ll be able to sell it back for a partial loss to fund your new vehicle, rather than leasing a car for 10 years and having nothing to show for it at the end.

2. Choosing a vehicle

Choosing a vehicle

If you’re not going for super long drives all the time, it may be a good time to consider an electric vehicle. Tesla isn’t the only vehicle company that is offering electric vehicles, every major car manufacturer is turning their eyes on electric to help the planet.

Consider your family size as well as what you like to do. If you have a large family and like to take many trips, a large SUV can do you well. If it’s just you but you enjoy taking your family and friends for a trip, a four door can be a good fit.

If you have a lot of money to spare, then it will come down to what brand you find is most interesting to you. Some like Mercedes, some like BMW, and maybe even a porsche. Before you decide, it’s best to take the vehicle for a spin.

3. Don’t buy any add-ons

Most add-ons at a dealership are going to be overpriced. From car audio systems to extra insurance, it’s best if you just purchase the vehicle rather than pay extra for anything they offer. That is of course if you want to save money, if time is more valuable, then go with what the dealership is offering.

4. Avoid long term loans

The longer your loan is, the more you’re paying in the long run. With higher interest rates on 6-7 year loans, it’s best to avoid them and pay upfront. The point of a loan is to let you use the money you have now as leverage, rather than just paying it all upfront and taking a loss on the total amount.

Always stay within your limits. If you must purchase a used vehicle, that’s ok too, just know that a shiny car in the driveway that’s making you bleed money is only going to make you more miserable.

5. Be Patient

There are many different types of vehicles out there and different deals. If you take your time and you’re patient, you’ll find the best one. Don’t rush to buy a certain type of car if you aren’t dead set on it, because returning a vehicle can be a huge headache.

As long as you’re willing to take the time to shop around and look around for what’s out there, you’ll be better off in the long term. Just like with everything else in life, patience often wins out.

How to Ship Your Vehicle?

How to Ship Your Vehicle 2

Once you’ve purchased a vehicle, you may wonder to yourself, how can I get this car home? If you flew in from elsewhere, it may not make sense to drive it all the way back. In these instances, you can utilize a car transportation service like A1AutoTransport car transport options.

Transportation services, are always offering expert advice for any type of car shipping you have, from luxury to even a broken down vehicle needed for parts. All you need to do is request a quote and you’ll be given many options of carriers to choose from. You can also negotiate down the price as well between these offers.

Always make sure your transportation service is legit by checking out the DOT’s website as well as the FMCSA to ensure your transport service is running legitimately. Check reviews to ensure the company you’re working with is doing a good job.

Also make sure to double check the amount of insurance that your carrier is liable for. If your vehicle is fairly expensive, you’ll have to take on additional insurance to fully insure your vehicle. This is only important if you’re shipping off a luxury vehicle, most carriers offer insurance up to $50k for no extra fee.

As long as you’re patient with your search for a transportation service, you’ll find one that will help you get your vehicle from point A to point B without any issue. 

Conclusion 

Purchasing a new vehicle is a significant investment, both in terms of time and money. From meticulously setting your budget to judiciously selecting the right vehicle that aligns with your needs and preferences, there’s a lot to consider. While the allure of add-ons and extended loans may seem tempting, it’s crucial to understand their long-term implications.

Equally, once the decision to buy is made, the process doesn’t end there. The logistics of getting your new vehicle home, especially from distant locations, adds another layer of decision-making. Fortunately, with reputable transport services available, the journey from selection to delivery can be streamlined.

In essence, whether it’s the thrill of driving a new electric car or the practicality of an SUV, being informed and cautious at every step ensures that your vehicle buying and shipping experience is both rewarding and stress-free. Always remember to take the time to do your research, understand your needs, and make decisions that are right for you, both for the present and the future. Safe driving!