Common Car Buying Mistakes

Buying a car is an exciting process, and it is important to be prepared. There are many different factors to consider and you do not want to find yourself caught up in one aspect to the point where others get sacrificed. Wrench is here to help point out some of the most common car buying mistakes to ensure that you do not find yourself in one of these situations. These pointers can be applied to both new and used car buying, so stick around to find out what you should avoid.

Here are some of the most common mistakes:

• Skipping the research. Research should be done before going to any dealership, whether it is for a new or used car. This is especially important during a global pandemic so you are not spending more time at the dealership than necessary and can have a clear idea of what needs to be done once you get to the site. If you are thinking about buying a used car but are unsure if it is the right time due to the pandemic, Wrench is here to help. Additionally, research the kind of car that is right for you so that you know you are making a purchase that meets your needs.
• Buying the first car you like. It is a good idea to shop around a bit to get a sense of different dealerships and what they have to offer. Compare cars and different different dealerships and be transparent that you are shopping around, because this might give some sellers an incentive to lower the price.
• Not taking the car for a test drive. This is extremely important so that you can get a sense for how the car drives and whether it works the way the seller has described it.
• Failing to get the used car inspected. This is critical if you are planning to buy a used car, because the mechanic can tell you about any issues with the car, past accidents it has been involved in, and whether you are getting a good deal. If you are in the market for a used car and have found one you like, Wrench has partnered with the premier Pre Purchase Inspection company: Lemon Squad. For more information on getting a used car inspected, click here.
• Avoiding the insurance call. It is important to call your insurance if you are planning on buying a car to understand what you will be paying and what kind of coverage you will need.
• Getting pressured to make a purchase. Car salesmen are characteristically persistent and want you to make a purchase as soon as you step foot on the lot. You are the one buying the car and should be excited about the purchase you are making. Do your research, ask the right questions, and take your time deciding which car is right for you. This also includes pressure to buy unnecessary extras; know what you want in terms of features and do not be swayed by luxurious add-ons that you do not need.
• Having tunnel vision. Try to avoid going into the buying process with a specific model in mind, because it might blind you to alternatives. Focusing more on the objective research and analysis of your options will help you avoid bias and may lead to a better deal. If you are able to leave emotions out of the car buying process, you will avoid taking a bad deal or paying more than you can afford just because you get swept up in the thrill of it.
• Failing to research financing options. To echo what we mentioned above, skipping research can come back to bite you, and this includes financing research. For example, if you are focusing too much on the monthly payments, you might get manipulated by the dealership into a longer loan and paying much more in interest rates.
• Know the value of your old car. If you are planning on trading in, get your car appraised by someone other than the dealership, because they will most likely try to give you a number that is under the actual value of the car, so they can make a larger profit. We also recommend that you consider selling the car on your own because you will be able to control all aspects of the sale.

There are a lot of things to think about when buying a car, and Wrench wants you to be as prepared as possible. This is a big investment and one that you will hopefully be using for many years to come. That being said, owning a car is a big responsibility and the work does not stop after you have driven the car off the lot. Make sure to schedule regular appointments with a Wrench mobile technician to stay up to date on the maintenance schedule and ensure that you car lives a happy and healthy life. If you have further questions about our services or using Wrench during a global pandemic, feel free to talk to our customer service team through email, hello@wrench.com, or by phone, 844-997-3624.