Car Shopping for College Students Temecula CA

 

Going to college is an exciting and big step in life with significant changes in routine and environment. Owning a car while attending college can be a handy and invaluable tool, especially considering either regular commutes or necessary errands. Maintaining a car is a great way to learn a valuable skill early, requiring regular care and attention to continue working properly. Affording a car can feel out of reach while on a student’s budget, however, following these tips will help you work towards finding the best deal possible!

      1) Research Before You Purchase

Going into a dealership prepared and forward-thinking will help you track down that perfect budget vehicle you are looking for, as well as to know what to turn away from a potential car that needs too much care. Information saves money, and there is a lot of knowledge that can help you get ahead of the purchasing process; find out standard resale values on used cars, read up on short expert reviews, and bring a friend or relative who has gone through the process before to help you stay informed. Look up reviews for various models and compare different makes and models the dealer offers, such as with our stock of Jeep Renegades or potentially the Compass that each have excellent reviews across the board. Doing your homework ahead of time allows you to go into the dealership and focus more on the car itself and negotiate fairly for a price.

      2) Check Out the Car Before Cashing Out

How a car sounds on paper and how the car functions in person can lead to two different impressions. You want to make sure you feel comfortable in the car and that the car operates correctly without trouble; while on a test drive, check the transmission, lights, windshield wipers, brakes, AC, and sound system to make sure they are all in working condition. Don’t be afraid to test drive multiple models and/or used cars on the lot before settling. Having a trusted auto mechanic, such as our specialists here at our service department, check over and inspect a used car before making a purchase is an important step. Going into a purchase with confidence that you are getting a good deal and the car drives well is important for comfort and safety.

      3) Finance for a Car Ahead of Schedule

Financing and maintaining a balanced budget is an important life skill that is required for purchasing and maintaining a motor vehicle. If you are frugal enough to pay upfront with cash, that is excellent; otherwise, look to negotiate a plan to pay back that fits your current and future income. Usually working for a 3-4 year plan to fully pay for a vehicle is a good estimate for a used car, but make sure you know what your monthly payment should be before heading in to negotiate. Thinking ahead can save lots of money; if you plan to go abroad or only need the car for a year it might be a better decision for you to lease the car from the dealer instead. Find out more about interest rate options to see whether you should finance through the dealership or your credit union.

Purchasing a car is an exciting endeavor and can be a handy asset to students heading off to college. Making sure to plan and research ahead of time will potentially save a significant amount of money. These three core tips can help you be better prepared for purchasing a car, but being patient and having a local dealership you can trust goes a long way in finding a great deal. Our dealers and specialists here at DCH Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT of Temecula are happy to help answer any questions you may have and assist in the process of getting the best deal on your next car purchase. You can check out our full line of new vehicles by clicking here, and check out our current inventory of reliable used vehicles here.