What Should I Do Before I Buy A New Car?

Dos and don’ts for stress-free car buying.

What Should I Do Before I Buy A New Car in Lafayette, LA

Here at Giles Nissan Lafayette, we know that buying a car is an exciting (and slightly overwhelming) process. If you’re preparing to upgrade to a new ride, it’s wise to take your time and consider your needs, wants and budget before you make your purchase. After all, a car is a major investment! We want to help you make the most of your money, which is why we’ve assembled a list of the dos and don’ts of buying a new car below. Take a look and let us know if you have any questions, then stop by to shop our new Nissan inventory. Our team will be happy to help!

1. Do Know Your Needs

It’s important to determine what you need from a new vehicle. If you have a long commute, maybe a fuel-efficient sedan would help you spend less on gas — and you might even consider a hybrid or all-electric model. If you have a growing family and/or you need a capable vehicle that can handle off-roading, a versatile SUV might be a good choice. Consider cargo space as well — would your daily routine benefit from extra room for groceries or luggage? Make a list of your must-have features and then stick to this list while shopping.

2. Do Research

Researching is one of the best parts of buying a car because you get to browse all of the innovative new vehicles on the market today. Remember to keep your must-haves in mind throughout your search, and stick to the body style you selected. Look for any other features you’d like to have as well (for instance, a premium audio system, a backup camera, ambient lighting or a hands-free power liftgate). You can use comparison tools on manufacturer websites and our 2023 Nissan research page to determine what makes and models might work for you. Don’t forget to also check out safety ratings from a reliable third-party source!

3. Do Know How Much You Can Afford

Making a budget isn’t always fun, but it is a crucial part of knowing what cars you can afford. Financing or leasing is less intimidating when you have a solid budget in mind, and thankfully, the experts at our finance center will take even more stress off your shoulders when you visit us. With many years of experience helping customers, they’re well-prepared to help you. Our team recommends placing 20 percent down and limiting your loan term to 60 months or less, if possible. Also, try to keep your monthly payments below 10 percent of your monthly income, and don’t forget to factor in annual maintenance costs and insurance payments. Of course, these are general guidelines, and things may change depending on your credit score and history. When you meet with our team, they’ll make suggestions with your specific budget and goals in mind.

4. Don't Trade A Car That Has Negative Equity

Now that we’ve listed some things you should do, here are some things to avoid. Don’t trade in your current car if it has negative equity — in other words, if it’s worth less than what you owe. This debt won’t go away once you trade in your vehicle, which means you might be paying off your old car and your new one at the same time. What a headache! To avoid this situation, get your vehicle’s trade-in value on our website, and if it has negative equity, only trade it in when it’s paid off.

5. Don't Rush Your Test-Drive

Researching is one of the best parts of buying a car because you get to browse all of the innovative new vehicles on the market today. Remember to keep your must-haves in mind throughout your search, and stick to the body style you selected. Look for any other features you’d like to have as well (for instance, a premium audio system, a backup camera, ambient lighting or a hands-free power liftgate). You can use comparison tools on manufacturer websites and our 2023 Nissan research page to determine what makes and models might work for you. Don’t forget to also check out safety ratings from a reliable third-party source!

Interested in purchasing or leasing a new Nissan? Come visit us at Giles Nissan Lafayette at 6137 Johnston Street, Lafayette, LA 70503. We look forward to serving our customers from Lafayette, LA, and throughout New Iberia, Abbeville, Youngsville and Broussard.