The Mitsubishi Lancer my dad gave me after graduating from the University has reached its retirement age. It could no longer endure hours of road trips. Also, the family is growing and we couldn't fit in the sedan. We recently purchased a 2018 Toyota Fortuner and when I was asked to write a sponsored article about cars, I just can't wait to share with you the things we did before buying a car.

5 Things You Should Do Before Buying A Car

1. Need vs Want

If budget is never an issue, you need not have to debate about need vs want. Just buy whatever catches your fancy. But it's not the case for the majority of the people. We have to weigh and take into consideration the real reason why we are buying a car. 

  • Will I be using the car just for work? How many are we in the family? Do we love out of town travels? 
  • I want SUV but can I settle for a crossover? Sedan or a van?
  • I want a brand new car. Or should I invest in a used car that looks good as new?

2. Basic Car Knowledge

You don't need to be a car expert but you must at least have a basic knowledge about the kind of car you are looking for. 

  • Should you buy a car that runs on a diesel engine or a gasoline engine? What's the difference? Which is better? 
  • Automatic or manual transmission?
  • What is 4x4, 4WD, AWD? Will the choice of the system matter?
  • Fuel economy. Gas mileage

3. Set A Budget

It will be easier to narrow down your choices if you know how much you are willing to spend for a car. I also have heard of too many stories about people buying a car for more than they can afford and end up struggling to look for ways to pay. 

  • Are you paying cash or installment?
  • Will you be considering applying for an auto loan or in-house financing? How long are you planning to pay on installment?

An auto loan calculator can give you an idea of how much you need to pay over the life of your loan.

4. Explore Around for Cars

Never buy a car on impulse. You should shop around first and explore different car dealers. You can also consider attending a car auction. Another option is purchasing a car online. Online car store like Cars.com has every tools, advice and reviews you need all in one place.

5. Go for a Test Drive

It is important for you to test drive the car you want to buy in order to get the feel of the vehicle. There are cars that may not feel comfortable for you and the only way for you to find out is through test driving. How does the car respond to you? You would want to choose a car that perfectly fits your preference. 

Are you ready to buy a car? What do you have in mind?