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New car shopping can be a lot of fun, especially if you're a car
enthusiast. But others can find the experience stressful and tedious.
Either way, there's a lot to think about. According to a survey of
car shoppers, overall purchase price is the most important factor
when shopping for a new car (46 percent), followed by make and model
(31 percent).
Safety and performance come in a distant third, tied at seven percent.
But whether you're turned on or turned off by the dizzying array
of car choices, trim options, expert reviews, incentives and other
deals, it definitely pays to approach car buying strategically.
So if you're in the market for a new vehicle and you find yourself
having trouble keeping a clear head, just keep these strategies,
courtesy of GIA in mind:
1. Decide how much money you can spend and what type of vehicle
best suits your needs. Just looking for the basic transport capability
of a small or medium sedan? Or do you need the hauling capacity of
a van or SUV? Something practical? Something sporty? Something in
between?
2. Research crash tests and accident data available from the Insurance
Institute for Highway Safety.
3. Shop around for financing. If you can, apply for and get approval
for a loan from a bank, credit union or other financier before you
even visit the dealership. Being a cash buyer gives you an advantage
when you do finally meet with the dealership's financing person.
4. Test drive the car. Try to drive in conditions that will be
similar to those under which you'll drive every day.
5. Check pricing for your desired make and model at two or three
dealerships and use that information to help you negotiate the best
deal.
6. Get a firm quote, in writing. This should include not only the
cost of the car, but any fees and the sales tax.
7. Inspect your new car carefully before driving off the lot. Make
sure all the options you've ordered are included and that the body
and paint are free of scratches or dents.
Finally, it's important to consider the cost of auto insurance,
although it seems that few people realize that what they pay for
insurance can add significantly to the vehicle's total cost.
Wise car buyers know to shop around for insurance and find out
how costs compare. They also know to visit an independent insurance
agency like GIA. We can check with several companies to find the
best combination of coverage and price.
To get a Progressive quote with GIA, visit www.e-gia.com
or call us at 1-888-423-3232 ext 100.
Group Insurance Analysts, Inc, and GIA Risk Management, LLC offer the following types of insurance - Health, Life, Auto, Home, Dental, Medicare, Business, Workers Comp, Pet, Disability, Liability and Property, through insurance companies like Progressive Insurance, Safeco, Travelers, Hartford, Anthem, Aetna, Delta Dental, Cigna, Kaiser, Humana, RMHP, UHC, Kaiser Permenente,Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Colorado, Pacific Specialty, United Fire, Pinnacol and many more.
We provide clients insurance needs in Arvada, Denver, Wheat Ridge, Lakewood, Golden, Boulder, Broomfield, Westminster, Brighton, Aurora, Littleton, Englewood, Parker, Northglenn, Thornton, Longmont, Louisville, Lafayette, Superior, Evergreen, Morrison and throughout Colorado.
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