- Home
- Financial Resources
- Financial Articles
- Car-Buying in the 'New Normal'
Buying a New Car? Easy Ways To Prepare
By Nicole Mayer / 03/18/2025 / Your Car
Looking for a new car can be exciting and rewarding. It can also be a little intimidating with so many things to consider — what size, which packages, financing and “Oh, I like that color!” Here are our top new car-buying tips.
- Be open to different options
If you have a good idea of the kind of vehicle you want, take the time to explore different models in the same segment. If you get to the dealership and find that the car you thought you wanted isn’t quite the one for you, dealerships will typically work with you to find a vehicle that does. - Be geographically aware
You might have to expand your geographic search to include dealerships that are farther away from home. If the dealership you’re interested in is more than 30 minutes away, it’s a good idea to call ahead before you drive to the dealership because inventories change and the website might not always be up to date. - Be prepared
Know what features you need and those you can live without. You can look on different websites to see the average selling price of new vehicles you’re interested in. Remember, if you know the value of your trade-in, you may be able to negotiate a better price or upgrade to some of your wish list features. - Be financially knowledgeable
Have your finances in order before you get to the dealership. Decide if you want to lease or purchase. Consult your budget to see what kind of monthly payment payment you can afford and how long you want to make payments. Know your credit score in order to anticipate what kind of interest rate you can get when financing. If you want to see the financing you may qualify for ahead of time, you can apply to prequalify. - Be ready
Know what you want, how much you’re willing to compromise and what your budget can handle so that you’ll know when you’ve found your next car and can buy it right away.
Hopefully, these tips for buying a new car will help you feel more prepared for what to expect at the dealership. Do your homework and ask the right questions so you can choose your next vehicle with confidence.
By Nicole Mayer, GM Financial
Nicole Mayer is a whisk-taker with a fondness for desserts. From baking to organizing, she’s motivated by trying new things and sharing her knowledge. When she’s not in the kitchen rocking out to ‘80s music, you’ll find her serving up aces on the tennis court.
Related Articles
Wipe Your Personal Data From a Vehicle in 7 Steps
These days, vehicles are computers on wheels, storing data about you, your contacts and your favorite destinations along the way. Here are seven ways to clear personal data before you sell your vehicle or turn in your lease or rental car.
SEE THE STEPS
Fast 5: The Best Time To Buy or Lease
When should you head to the dealership? This edition of Fast 5 is all about the perfect timing for getting the car of your dreams
WHEN TO BUY OR LEASE