- PMR Team
The Behind the Scenes of Getting That Car
Buying a car can be exciting. It can also be frightening, too. Will this car be as good as my last? Better? Am I making the right choice? How much will this really cost me? Yes, buying a car is exhausting. That’s why we’re here to help.
Now that you’re shopping around for a car, the first thing you should do is give us a call. We’ve been your mechanic for years, which means we’ve been the mechanic for many people with many different types of cars of years. We’ve seen the ins and outs, we see how expensive and hard repairs can be, and how often we see that particular model in the shop for more than routine maintenance. The last thing you want to do is think you’re getting a great deal on a car, come to find out it’s in the shop more than on the road or you will likely need to pay for an engine replacement well before the car has devalued.
Once you know generally about the cars, you can narrow your choice down to a few models to test drive. While getting behind the wheel of that new-to-you car sounds cool and fun, keeping that car insured may be a different story. If you’ve got 2-3 cars you’ve narrowed it down to, it’s time to check your insurance. While that price tag of $5,000 may seem appealing right off the bat, will you be paying that much plus some in extra coverage for that car through insurance instead of just getting the more expensive vehicle? Can you easily get coverage for that sports car for you 18 year old self, or will settling on a sedan be much more economical? While you will be paying on the car for several years, you will be paying for insurance longer, and you’ll want coverage good enough to keep you safe in case the worst were to happen.
Now that you’ve got it narrowed down to your best choice, you should call to have your car inspected. Most reputable dealerships, and even many private sellers, will be more than happy to let you take the used car you’re looking at to your trusted mechanic to have it checked over. It gives you peace of mind, and lets you know any repairs you may need to save up for (which may give you negotiating power). A basic car inspection from PMR costs $35, and gives you a good, thorough check over, including suspension, fluids, lights, and any codes that may be pending on the computer.
Once you’ve gone through the research steps (and, of course, the obvious financial steps), you are ready to roll and can make your choice with greater confidence. Want some more tips? Check out The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Car. Enjoy your new ride, and we’ll be here to help you keep it going for years to come.