
What Should I Do Before I Buy A New Car?

What Should I Do Before I Buy A New Car in Opelousas, LA
Buying a new car is an exciting process, but it can often feel overwhelming for those who haven’t upgraded in a while. From choosing the right model to finalizing your financing plan, there are lots of steps that you have to take when buying a car. Here at Giles Nissan Opelousas, it’s our goal to make your car-buying experience as easy as possible while also helping you get the best value for your money. That’s why we’ve assembled the list of tips below with our recommendations for what to do — and what not to do — before you visit us to choose your new Nissan. If you have any further questions, stop by our dealership or contact us and we’ll be more than happy to help!
1. Do Know Your Needs
Before you even start browsing our new vehicle inventory, take a moment to consider your needs. What do you need your new model to do for you? If you’d like to reduce your gas budget, perhaps a fuel-efficient sedan (or even a hybrid or all-electric vehicle) would be a good choice. If your family is growing and you need more room for your crew, an SUV might be a better option. An SUV is also ideal for those who love getting off the beaten path and off-roading on the weekends. Your new car should fit your lifestyle, so once you choose the body style that makes the most sense for you, only search for that body style while shopping.
2. Do Research
Now that you have a general idea of what car you need, you can jump into the fun part: researching new models. To get a full picture of what’s on the market today, browse manufacturer websites for the body type of your choice. Compile a list of must-have features that you want in your next ride, such as a premium sound system, fold-flat second-row seating or a power liftgate. You can easily research the new 2023 Nissan lineup on our website, and we also offer comparison pages to help you see how Nissan models stack up to their rivals. Don’t forget to check out safety ratings from reputable third-party sources as well.
3. Do Know How Much You Can Afford
Budgeting isn’t the most enjoyable part of car buying, but it is essential to knowing what car you can afford. We know the financial side can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be when you work with our finance experts here at Giles Nissan Opelousas. They’ve helped many customers finance or lease cars with minimal stress, and they’re ready to help you, too! When it comes to budgeting, they recommend placing 20 percent down if possible. Aim for a loan term that’s no longer than 60 months, and try to keep your monthly payments below 10 percent of your monthly income. Keep in mind that these numbers will change based on your credit score, and don’t forget to factor in annual maintenance costs and insurance.
4. Don't Trade A Car That Has Negative Equity
So now that you know three things to do, here are two things to avoid as you prepare to buy a car. If you’re planning to trade in your current vehicle, make sure it doesn’t have negative equity first. In other words, don’t trade in a car if you owe more than it’s worth. This is because the debt from your current car will follow you into your next loan, which would lead to you having to pay off two cars at once. To avoid this extra debt, find your vehicle’s value on our website today, and if it has negative equity, wait until you pay it off in full to trade it in.
5. Don't Rush Your Test-Drive
And now, for the very best part: the test drive! Take your time while you’re behind the wheel of a model you’re considering. Try out all the vehicle’s features, including the climate control, seat adjustments, tailgate and radio. Make sure you’re comfortable in the driver’s seat — after all, you’ll be spending a lot of time there if you buy the vehicle. And of course, our team will be there to answer any questions you have along the way. We can’t wait to help you find the perfect Nissan for your needs!
Interested in purchasing or leasing a new Nissan? Come visit Giles Nissan Opelousas at 4383 I-49 South Service Road, Opelousas, LA 70570 . We look forward to serving our customers from Carencro, Eunice, Port Barre and Central Louisiana.