<body><div><p>Thinking about buying your next car? If you want to drive away with the best deal possible, make sure you take some steps in preparation before heading out to the dealership.</p><p>Understanding all of the details before making the big purchase is essential, especially if you want to save money on things like car insurance.</p><p>Here are 15 things you should do at least three to six months before you buy your next vehicle. </p><p><b>If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources</b></p><p>Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.</p><p><b>How to become a member today:</b></p><ul><li>Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”</li><li>Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions</li><li>Start enjoying your discounts and perks!</li></ul><p><b>Important:</b> Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it <b>just $12 per year</b> with auto-renewal. </p><p>SPONSORED</p><h2>Check your credit report</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3cmQtA_0v2A3lh600" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3cmQtA_0v2A3lh600" width="1200" height="628" ></figure><p>If you haven’t done so in a few months, now is a good time to check your credit report for accuracy. Even if you're paying bills, it is possible that your credit report contains errors. </p><p>If you find mistakes, report them to the credit-reporting agency to make sure they are fixed, and your score looks as good as possible. </p><p>Over 50? Don't miss out on these massive discounts and financial resources.</p><h2>Improve your credit score</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1EK0nZ_0v2A3lh600" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1EK0nZ_0v2A3lh600" width="1200" height="628" ></figure><p>Whatever your score is today, take steps to improve it. </p><p>Make all of your payments on time, pay down as much of your debt as possible, and don’t apply for any other loans or new credit cards until after you buy the new car. That should help lift your score. </p><h2>Determine what your budget is</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=158mns_0v2A3lh600" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=158mns_0v2A3lh600" width="1200" height="628" ></figure><p>Before you even start looking at offers from local dealerships, know your budget and how much you can spend on a car. </p><p>Sit down and figure out how much you pay monthly for housing, groceries, gas, and other expenses. Then, take an honest look at the amount of money you have left over. Is it enough to afford a large car payment? </p><p>If not, you might have to compromise and purchase a car that fits better with your finances. </p><h2>Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt</h2><p>Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.</p><p>National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1</p><p><b>How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt:</b></p><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2iIc9J_0v2A3lh600" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2iIc9J_0v2A3lh600" width="2990" height="668" ></figure><p>. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.</p><p>SPONSORED</p><h2>Turbocharge your savings</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1P2MVL_0v2A3lh600" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1P2MVL_0v2A3lh600" width="1200" height="628" ></figure><p>While paying down debt is a must to boost your credit score, don’t forget to save. The more money you can put down at the time of your purchase, the smaller your car payment is likely to be. </p><p>Many experts suggest putting down at least 10% on a used car and 20% of the purchase price for newer cars. That’s going to help lower your interest rate and make monthly payments smaller. </p><h2>Start researching models</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=36beTI_0v2A3lh600" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=36beTI_0v2A3lh600" width="1200" height="628" ></figure><p>Research makes and models of cars that fit your needs, not just your desires. You may want a brand-new Ford Mustang or a Tesla in your driveway, but is that realistic, given your budget? </p><p>At the end of the day, you simply need an affordable and reliable vehicle that keeps gas costs under control. </p><h2>Research car recall and repair concerns</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3lXaku_0v2A3lh600" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3lXaku_0v2A3lh600" width="1200" height="628" ></figure><p>Now that you have some vehicles on your list, whittle it down to a handful of real contenders. One way to separate the contenders from the pretenders is to look for models that have a bad history of numerous repairs or recalls. </p><p>You can research each of the makes and models on your list against the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s recall tool. This will tell you all known concerns about the vehicle, including formal complaints that have yet to be resolved. </p><h2>Factor in the cost of insuring different models</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2mYJCn_0v2A3lh600" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2mYJCn_0v2A3lh600" width="1200" height="628" ></figure><p>Once you have a few vehicles you are seriously considering, ask your current insurance company how much it would cost to insure each of those cars. </p><p>Insurance is an ongoing expense, so choosing a car that is cheaper to insure can amount to big savings as the years roll on. </p><h2>Read customer reviews online</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3pLfqR_0v2A3lh600" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3pLfqR_0v2A3lh600" width="1200" height="628" ></figure><p>Look online at reviews of the models you are considering so you can learn what other drivers think of those cars. Are owners happy with their choice, or do they have regrets? </p><p>Whatever their feelings, look closely at the factors that are driving their opinions. Read multiple reviews so you're getting a good selection of opinions. </p><h2>Learn about the dealership itself</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4KkKb0_0v2A3lh600" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4KkKb0_0v2A3lh600" width="1200" height="628" ></figure><p>Before you choose a dealership, read customer reviews on Google. You want to choose a dealer with a professional staff who won’t pressure you into buying something you'll later regret. </p><p>Buying a car is a big decision, so choose a dealership that makes you feel comfortable. </p><h2>Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account</h2><p>Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases <i>without</i> using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2</p><p>With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — <b>up to an extra $360 a year!</b></p><p>This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.</p><p>Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.</p><p>SPONSORED</p><h2>Compare loan options</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1wzBLV_0v2A3lh600" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1wzBLV_0v2A3lh600" width="1200" height="628" ></figure><p>Car loans are available through dealerships. But if you want the best deal, you will almost always be better off comparing loan offers from online lenders, local banks, and credit unions. </p><p>That way, you improve the odds of finding a great rate. So, line up financing before you head out to the dealership. </p><h2>Know that added features bring higher costs</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3cvcSw_0v2A3lh600" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3cvcSw_0v2A3lh600" width="1200" height="628" ></figure><p>Choosing a vehicle with added features and packages will increase the cost. </p><p>Sometimes, these costs can be worth paying, such as for enhanced safety features. But think twice about paying for flashy extras if you don’t really need them. </p><h2>Find out what the warranty covers</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3ZiwJ7_0v2A3lh600" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3ZiwJ7_0v2A3lh600" width="1200" height="628" ></figure><p>If you've found a vehicle you hope to buy, talk to the dealership about the available warranty and what it does and does not cover. It is a mistake to simply assume that a warranty covers everything. </p><h2>Research the vehicle’s specific history</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4OzivZ_0v2A3lh600" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4OzivZ_0v2A3lh600" width="1200" height="628" ></figure><p>If you have found the used car of your dreams, head to the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System website to learn about the vehicle’s history, including any insurance loss and salvage details. </p><p>You can also get other reports from services such as Carfax and AutoCheck.com. </p><h2>Carefully consider the maintenance package</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2WllPt_0v2A3lh600" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2WllPt_0v2A3lh600" width="1200" height="628" ></figure><p>There's a good chance the dealership will try to sell you a prepaid car maintenance package covering things such as oil changes and rotations. </p><p>Some people like these plans, while others find they aren't cost-efficient. You may be able to negotiate a better price on a package like this, but always consider whether such a purchase really makes sense. </p><h2>Research car values</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4aj6Rg_0v2A3lh600" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4aj6Rg_0v2A3lh600" width="1200" height="628" ></figure><p>Before you make your final decision, try to negotiate a lower price. Research vehicle values from resources such as Edmunds.com or the Kelley Blue Book website. </p><p>Armed with this information, you will be ready to ask for a better price. Remember, you won’t get a deal if you don’t ask for one. </p><h2>Bottom line</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2HohKf_0v2A3lh600" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2HohKf_0v2A3lh600" width="1200" height="628" ></figure><p>Buying a new car can be a lot of fun. But don’t overlook the homework you need to do to make sure you get a great deal on a terrific vehicle. </p><p>Following the steps on this list can help you find the car of your dreams at a price that won’t wreck your financial fitness. </p><p><b>More from FinanceBuzz:</b></p><ul><li>7 things to do if you’re barely scraping by financially.</li><li>Do you owe the IRS &gt;$10K? Ask this company to help you eliminate your late tax debt.</li><li>12 legit ways to earn extra cash.</li><li>Learn how you can escape the paycheck-to-paycheck grind. </li></ul><p><b>Choice Home Warranty Benefits </b></p><ul><li>First month free </li><li>Protection for unexpected expense </li><li>24/7 claims hotline </li><li>Network of over 15,000 technicians </li></ul></div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

15 Things to Consider Doing 6 Months Before Buying a New Car

Thinking about buying your next car? If you want to drive away with the best deal possible, make sure you take some steps in preparation before heading out to the dealership. Understanding all of the details before making the big purchase is essential, especially if you want to save money on things like car insurance.