7 Biggest Mistakes People Make When Buying a Car
Purchasing a vehicle of any kind is a big investment, but if you put a lot of thought and care into the decision and plan it out, it can be one of the best ones you’ll ever make. At Barrhaven Honda, we know all too well what folks go through when trying to choose the right vehicle for their needs, and we also know firsthand how important it is to prepare accordingly before signing anything.
Today, let’s explore the seven biggest mistakes people generally make when buying a car, not to mention tips on how to avoid them yourself!
Buying the Wrong Vehicle for Your Use Case
It might be tempting to splurge on a heavy-duty vehicle with all-wheel drive for some off-roading, but how often will you really use it for that? Or, what if your use case demands something a little more fuel-efficient? There’s nothing wrong with one type of vehicle not being the right fit – that’s why there are plenty of great, highly efficient and performant models out there to consider. This is especially true with Honda vehicles, of which there is a veritable smorgasbord of options, including the Passport, CRV, Civic Hatchback, and many others.
Consider your needs first and let your wants take the backseat, as this makes it easier to narrow down your choices (and more easily stay within budget). If you simply need something for A to B commuting, then a sedan like the Honda Civic sedan or its hatchback variant are excellent and dependable choices. Or, if you want something with more performance under the hood – making it even more fun to drive on long trips – then consider the iconic Honda Accord.
Letting Emotions Cloud Your Judgment
It’s easy to fall in love with the shiny one, the sleek one, or the state-of-the-art one, but it’s important to keep your feelings in check and strike the right balance of practicality and excitement. That way, you won’t overpay for a model you don’t need by preventing yourself from making rash decisions. This vehicle will be with you for several years, so be sure to “vibe” the candidates – get a feel for them and decide once your emotions have settled which one is ideal for your needs while satisfying a few nice-to-haves (premium leather or heated seats, for instance).
Going Alone and Uninformed
Know someone who’s passionate about Honda vehicles? Whether they’re a friend who happens to be an enthusiast or a family member with decades of ownership experience within the brand, feel free to bring them in. Then, they can meet the sales rep and vehicles that interest you before helping to gauge your options, lending invaluable insights. This will aid in making important choices with peace of mind.
Of course, if you do happen to visit on your own, always be sure to flag down a rep so they can discuss all the trim options and walk you through the features. We’re always happy to help you make as informed a decision as possible!
No Test Drive
If you skip out on the test drive, you don’t truly understand the vehicle you will soon own. As soon as it rolls off the lot, it’s yours, so take the time to get to know one another – the relationship between car and driver is a long one full of adventures! Taking even a single test drive – not simply sitting inside and admiring the interior – helps you establish a connection with the vehicle’s handling, grip, performance, controls and driver assistance features, and much more. Bringing those friends or family members we mentioned earlier is also a great way to get a feel for the legroom, cargo capacity, and seat comfort.
Not Understanding Terms and Conditions Before Signing
We want every customer who considers a new or pre-owned Honda – or any vehicle, for that matter – to be comfortable with their purchase. We highly encourage you to do your homework and ensure you fully understand the cost and all aspects of your agreement, and never feel shy about asking us any questions (there are no bad ones). Again, bringing a friend to go over the paperwork with you can help here, as can discussing details with your sales rep.
Not Considering Maintenance or Other Long-Term Costs
Every vehicle needs maintenance year-round. Sometimes this won’t be for a few weeks or months at a time. Nevertheless, taking care of your purchase means it can take care of you. With that comes an added time and money investment, naturally; if you’re going fully electric, consider whether you have a plug available outdoors at home for charging. Alternatively, factor in the cost of gas on average per year – leaving this out can paint a very different picture of long-term costs of vehicle ownership. Also, don’t forget seasonal expenses, including winter tires, fluid changes, and otherwise.
Need help making an informed decision about your next car purchase? We’re here for you. Get in touch with the Barrhaven Honda team today!