First Time Car Buyers: Here's What You Should Know
Buying a new or used car is an exciting time! But it's important to temper excitement with practicality. For first time car buyers, it's important to do your homework before you buy!
At our Harrisonburg auto dealership, we do everything possible to make sure that first time auto buyers know the car buying process before they commit to a purchase.
We've outlined the process below and hope you can use the information to find the right vehicle for you, whether you buy from us or not.
Get Pre-Qualified
It's important to know how much car you can buy before you start shopping. There are a couple of good options here. So, take your pick about what feels best for you.
The first option is to go to our website and fill out the pre-qualifying form. Here you can calculate what you can afford by adjusting your estimated monthly payment amount or the loan amount.
From here, our staff can guide you through the car buying process, which greatly simplifies it. And it puts you firmly in the driver's seat!
Because we work with a large network of lenders, we can shop around to get you a very competitive loan rate.
In fact, our rates are competitive with local banks. And, if you have a poor credit history, we can help you secure a car loan that won't bury your ability to build equity.
The second option is to go to your local lender and get qualified. Joe Bowman Auto Plaza works with local lenders all the time. The only slight disadvantage to working with a bank is that it will take a day or two longer to process the loan.
That's because paperwork has to be approved with your lending institution and with the dealership. So, it takes just a bit longer. The bottom line is to do what feels most comfortable for you!
Start Shopping
Once you know what you can afford, it's time to start shopping. If you choose to work with us, you'll find our sales staff attentive to your budget and to what you're looking for.
They will show you vehicles based on your expressed needs and lifestyle.
If you're buying from a private owner, please check out our post on buying privately.
Test Drive
If you buy a used car from Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, you'll never have to worry about the performance of the vehicle.
Every preowned vehicle that comes into our dealership must pass a 75-point inspection. If it doesn't pass inspection, it is not offered up for sale.
Our certified Chevy technicians will correct all problems that they see. As far as humanly possible, we make sure the car or truck is in tip top shape. Then we back up that commitment with either a 30 or 90 day warranty.
For new cars, the manufacturer offers a one-year warranty. Either way, you're covered. That's why the test drive is simply a formality to see whether or not you like the vehicle.
Negotiating the Price
Once you've decided on the vehicle, if you feel it's necessary, you can negotiate the price. If you are new to negotiating, feel free to bring someone along with you.
Auto Financing
Once a sales price has been established, it's time to get down to auto financing details. If you choose dealer financing, your loan will be processed more quickly. Plus, you'll get a competitive interest rate.
If you opt for a loan with your local bank, we can easily accommodate you. It will take a bit more time, but we most certainly can get your loan processed.
Car Insurance
Lastly, we will call your insurance company to get your auto insurance set up before you leave. When you drive home in your new or newer vehicle, you'll be covered!
Wrapping Up
Buying a car is a big commitment, so make sure you're ready! And when you do, we hope you'll consider our GMC Harrisonburg dealership.
With Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, you'll have that extra layer of consumer protection than when you buy privately.
Additionally, when you opt to buy a vehicle through Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we want your business for a lifetime. That's why Joe Bowman customers get perks from our service department.
• Preferred service scheduling
• Lifetime FREE car inspections for as long as you own the vehicle
• Courtesy transportation when your vehicle is in the shop
We hope this general guideline is helpful to you. Let us know if you have any questions. Learn more about us here: www.joebowmanautoplaza.com. And be sure to stop in and visit us!
