7 Things to Consider Before Buying a New Car, Truck, or SUV
Shopping for a new vehicle should be exciting, but with so many models, features, powertrains, and options available, it can also feel like a lot to consider.
The best new vehicle is not necessarily the one with the longest feature list or the biggest engine. It is the one that fits your daily driving, your passengers, your budget, and what you expect to need in the years ahead.
Before you start comparing vehicles, here are seven things worth considering to help narrow down your choices.
1. Think About How You Actually Use Your Vehicle
Start with your normal routine. How many people do you usually carry? How far is your commute? Do you regularly haul cargo, tow a trailer, travel long distances, or drive on rough roads?
Your answers can help determine whether a car, SUV, crossover, or pickup makes the most sense.
A compact vehicle may be ideal for commuting and everyday errands, while a larger SUV may make more sense for a growing family. Drivers who regularly tow, haul, or use their vehicle for work may benefit from the capability of a pickup truck.
Thinking about how you will use the vehicle most of the time can keep you from paying for capability you do not need—or wishing later that you had chosen something more capable.
2. Consider Passenger and Cargo Space
A vehicle can look spacious from the outside but feel very different once everyone is seated and the cargo area is loaded.
Consider how often you carry passengers and what you regularly bring along. Families may want to think about car seats, sports equipment, groceries, luggage, pets, and other everyday cargo.
If you are considering an SUV, look at both passenger space and usable cargo room. If you are shopping for a truck, think about cab configuration, bed length, storage, and how often the rear seats will be used.
A test drive is also a good opportunity to sit in every seating position and make sure the vehicle works for more than just the driver.
3. Decide How Much Capability You Really Need
If towing or hauling is part of your lifestyle, make capability one of your first considerations instead of an afterthought.
Think about what you plan to tow or carry, how frequently you will do it, and whether your needs may change in the future.
Towing and payload capacity can vary significantly depending on engine, drivetrain, cab configuration, equipment, and optional packages. If capability is important to you, confirm the specifications of the exact vehicle you are considering.
Choosing the right configuration from the beginning can make a big difference in how useful the vehicle is over time.
4. Compare the Features You Will Actually Use
Today’s new vehicles can offer a wide range of comfort, convenience, connectivity, and driver-assistance features.
Depending on the vehicle and trim, shoppers may find features such as:
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Large touchscreen displays
- Wireless phone charging
- Remote start
- Heated and ventilated seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Adaptive cruise control
- Parking cameras and assistance features
- Blind-zone monitoring
- Automatic emergency braking
- Power liftgates
- Trailering technology
Instead of automatically choosing the highest trim level, make a short list of the features that matter most to you. You may find that a mid-level trim provides everything you want without adding equipment you are unlikely to use.
5. Look Beyond the Monthly Payment
Monthly payment is important, but it should not be the only number you consider when comparing new vehicles.
Look at the overall purchase price, available financing or lease terms, estimated fuel costs, insurance, maintenance, and how long you plan to keep the vehicle.
If you have a trade-in, its value and any remaining loan balance can also affect your purchase.
Taking a broader look at the transaction can help you compare different vehicles more accurately and choose an option that fits your overall budget.
6. Find Out What Your Current Vehicle Is Worth
If you plan to trade your current vehicle, knowing its approximate value before you shop can make planning easier.
Mileage, condition, equipment, vehicle history, market demand, and other factors can all influence trade value.
You can begin the process online using the
Voice Motor Sales Trade Appraisal Tool.
If you still owe money on your current vehicle, that does not necessarily prevent you from trading it. The payoff amount can be reviewed along with the vehicle’s appraised value when discussing your options.
7. Always Take a Test Drive
Specifications and photos can help narrow down your choices, but a test drive can tell you things that are difficult to learn online.
During the drive, pay attention to:
- Seat comfort
- Visibility
- Ride quality
- Acceleration
- Braking feel
- Steering
- Cabin noise
- Control placement
- Infotainment system usability
- Ease of getting in and out
If you are comparing two different models or trims, driving them back-to-back can make the differences much easier to recognize.
New Vehicle vs. Used Vehicle: Which Is Right for You?
Buying new offers several advantages. You are the vehicle’s first owner, you know its history from day one, and you can choose from current designs, technology, safety features, colors, trims, and available equipment.
New vehicles may also have manufacturer financing, lease, or incentive programs available from time to time. Availability and eligibility can vary, so it is important to review the details of any current offer.
A pre-owned vehicle can still be the better choice for some shoppers, particularly when purchase price is the main priority. The right answer depends on your individual needs and budget.
Should You Finance or Lease a New Vehicle?
Financing and leasing can both make sense depending on how you plan to use your vehicle.
Financing may appeal to drivers who want to own the vehicle, drive it for many years, customize it, or avoid mileage limitations.
Leasing may appeal to drivers who prefer changing vehicles more frequently and like driving a newer vehicle on a regular cycle. Lease mileage limits, wear requirements, terms, and other conditions should be considered before deciding.
You can begin exploring financing options through our
online pre-approval form.
Financing and lease availability, rates, terms, and approval are subject to applicable lender requirements and credit approval.
Do Not Forget About the Vehicle You May Need Three Years From Now
One of the easiest mistakes when buying a vehicle is choosing only for today’s needs.
Think a few years ahead. Could your family grow? Are you planning to buy a camper or trailer? Could your commute change? Do you expect to need more cargo room? Will a teenager eventually be driving the vehicle?
You cannot predict everything, but thinking ahead can help you choose a vehicle that continues to work for you long after the excitement of buying it has worn off.
Shop New Vehicles at Voice Motor Sales Chevrolet
If you are starting your search for a new car, truck, or SUV, the team at Voice Motor Sales Chevrolet in Kalkaska can help you compare vehicles, trims, features, and available options.
Start by
browsing our current new Chevrolet inventory,
use our
trade appraisal tool
to learn more about your current vehicle, or
contact Voice Motor Sales Chevrolet
with questions.
Once you find a vehicle that interests you, schedule a test drive and see how it fits your needs in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I consider before buying a new vehicle?
Consider how you will use the vehicle, passenger and cargo needs, towing or hauling requirements, features, overall budget, trade-in value, and how long you expect to keep the vehicle.
Should I test drive a new vehicle before buying it?
Yes. A test drive gives you an opportunity to evaluate comfort, visibility, ride quality, acceleration, braking, controls, technology, and overall driving feel before making a decision.
Should I find out my trade value before shopping for a new vehicle?
Knowing your vehicle’s approximate trade value can make it easier to understand your options and plan your overall vehicle purchase.
Is it better to finance or lease a new vehicle?
It depends on your driving habits, budget, ownership goals, expected mileage, and how frequently you prefer to replace your vehicle. Financing and leasing each have different advantages and conditions.
Where can I shop for a new Chevrolet near Kalkaska, Michigan?
Drivers can browse current new Chevrolet inventory at Voice Motor Sales Chevrolet in Kalkaska, Michigan, and contact the dealership to confirm current vehicle availability, options, and pricing.
