10 Problems When Buying a Car That Hardly Anyone Talks About

It isn’t always a smooth process when buying a car. There are plenty of problems that can arise when it comes to money moves for car owners who are trying to secure a new vehicle.

Here are some of the potential problems you may encounter once you start the buying process.

1. It can take an entire day

Buying a car can be a complicated process, which means you might have to spend a good amount of time at the dealership signing paperwork and getting approved for the sale.

Instead, see if you can complete some of the paperwork online before you arrive at the dealership to pick up your new car. It could save you from wasting hours while you wait to get everything completed.

2. You might have to wait for your car

Some car models are more popular than others, so be prepared to wait if you want something that is in high demand.

It may be a good idea to expand your search and shop around. Or, visit other dealerships in your area to see if they have models in stock that you want.

3. Fees are often hidden

When you look over all the paperwork, keep an eye out for any hidden fees.

Ask your sales associate to send you the paperwork ahead of time so you can review it for any hidden fees and see if you can negotiate such costs lower or get rid of them completely.

4. Dealers may trick you with their pricing strategies

A new car purchase may come with a variety of terms, including how much you can put down, how much you will pay per month, and the length of a lease or loan.

Take your time to review your different options so you don’t get confused and end up paying more than you should.

5. Extended warranties can be a lousy deal

Dealers may try to sell you an extended warranty to cover potential issues with your vehicle.

But be wary of such offers, as they may not be a great deal. Instead, consider adding some extra cash to your emergency fund to cover the cost of surprise repairs.

6. You can get tricked by a great trade-in offer

You may be hoping the trade-in value of your current vehicle will help you cover the cost of the new vehicle. But don’t simply accept whatever offer the dealer gives you.

Check websites such as Kelley Blue Book to review the trade-in value of your vehicle so you have a better idea of the fair market value of your car. You also may want to consider selling the vehicle on your own so you can get cash for the sale and possibly sell the car at a higher price.

7. Cancellation can be difficult

A contract is an agreement between you and the dealer. Like other contracts, it can be difficult to get out of the agreement if you decide you don’t want the vehicle after you sign the deal.

Make sure you are aware of any issues with the vehicle and review the contract thoroughly before you sign it to avoid any problems later.

8. Minor damage might be hidden

Buying a used vehicle — even a certified pre-owned vehicle — doesn’t mean that there are no issues with the car.

If you're worried about damage you can’t see or other minor problems with the car, you may want to have it independently inspected before you drive it off the lot.

9. Options can add up

If you find a model you like online, remember that the vehicle you see might be vastly different from what is available at the dealership.

Added options such as a sunroof or upgraded audio system can quickly add thousands of dollars to the car’s price.

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10. You have to be approved for a dealer loan

Dealers who try to sell you a vehicle may also offer to help you finance your car loan.

However, it’s a good idea to check with your local bank or financial institution before you start shopping for a car to see what terms they can offer on a car loan. You might get a much better deal than you would get at the dealer.

Shopping around for the right deal is the best way to keep more cash in your wallet .

Bottom line

Shopping for a new vehicle can be frustrating, but the process can be smoother if you are prepared to deal with potential problems that can crop up as you secure your purchase.

Issues you might face include unexpected fees or the car costing more than you thought. So, look for other ways to cut costs, such as trying to find a way to save money on car insurance .

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