Car Shopper’s Guide To Finding The Right Vehicle In Myrtle Beach, SC
Finding the Right Vehicle for You
Car Shopper’s Guide to Finding the Right Vehicle in Myrtle Beach, SC
Need to buy a car but aren’t sure how to make the right choice? You don’t have to guess your way through the car shopping process because we’re ready to make every step clear here at Sparks Toyota in Myrtle Beach. Let’s walk through all the details to set you up to make your decisions with confidence.
Identify What You Need
While any choice should deliver on the basics of safety, affordability, and reliability, there may be other qualities that also matter to you. In addition to getting you around town and beyond, are there any other roles or goals you have for your next vehicle? If you’re just driving solo or with the occasional passengers and luggage, then an efficient sedan or compact SUV could be the perfect fit for your situation. However, if you regularly drive with more passengers or ample cargo, then the added space of a larger SUV or minivan might be a more fitting choice. If towing and hauling are routine for you, then a pickup truck packs the power you’re looking for.
Set a Budget
Next, set a budget and stick to it. When you establish a price range for your next vehicle, you can prevent yourself from overcommitting your finances to a vehicle that’s far outside your comfort zone. A budget can also help you pare down the options on your list to come closer to a decision. To set your price range, consider the general guidance that transportation expenses should be within 15 percent of your monthly income.
Consider the True Cost to Own
When you check to see if a vehicle is within your budget, you’ll need to look at more than the price tag. There are a number of expenses associated with buying and owning a vehicle, so be sure to factor in car insurance, fees, the financing interest rate, gas costs, and maintenance expenses to determine the true cost of ownership.
Take a Test Drive
When you’ve scaled down your list to two or three options, it’s time to take each contender for a test drive to see how they suit your needs. It’s helpful to schedule your test drives in advance, as that will ensure that the dealership has time to get each model ready for you. During your drive, imagine yourself driving this vehicle every day, and ask yourself questions like these to see if it’s a good fit:
- Is the cabin ride and quality comfortable?
- Is driver visibility good out the front, back, and all the sides?
- Does it accelerate and brake well?
- Are you pleased with the car's handling and overall performance?
Auto Financing
If you don’t plan to pay the full price out of pocket, you can apply for an auto loan to finance your vehicle purchase. When you apply, you’ll provide the lender with details about your income and credit situation, and they’ll use that information to determine how much money you can borrow for your new car. You’ll then be expected to pay back the amount borrowed plus interest over a set period of time. You might also qualify for certain loan types with appealing benefits, like a first-time car buyer’s loan with fewer fees and a lower down payment. Don’t forget to ask our finance experts about your auto loan options.
How to Choose the Right Car
After your test drives, you should have what you need to choose your new vehicle. You don’t have to make a decision on the spot, of course, and it’s fair to go home and sleep on it before choosing a winner. If each option seems like a good fit, then you might have to look for anything unique to give one model the advantage. Ask yourself if one vehicle has more features that you like, a smoother or sportier ride than the others, or even a style that better suits your tastes. Remember that the model you choose will likely be your ride for years to come, so consider which vehicle you’d be happiest in day after day.
Find Your Vehicle at Sparks Toyota
When you’re ready to take your first step toward buying your new car, we’ll be ready to help at Sparks Toyota. Call or come see us at our Myrtle Beach dealership to see the difference our team can make for your car shopping experience. We look forward to seeing you soon at 4855 Highway 501 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29579.