Choosing a Vehicle in Michigan on Your Own Terms
Finding the Right Vehicle in Michigan Without Rushing the Decision
Sometimes it feels like you need a vehicle right now. Maybe your current vehicle needs more and more attention. Maybe you need a ride to get you somewhere new. Perhaps your family is growing and you just need more room. Whatever the reason you’re in the market for a vehicle, it pays to take your time and figure out what’s right for you before you start looking at vehicles.
Living in an area like Portage, MI or Kalamazoo County there are a ton of vehicles to choose from. We’re here to help you figure out what you need from your next vehicle to make the search process easier.
Match the Vehicle to the Way You Drive
One of the best ways to start narrowing down your list of potential vehicles is to think about how you use your vehicle on a regular basis. If you mostly drive locally within Portage you might have different needs than those who drive daily between Kalamazoo, Vicksburg, and other nearby destinations.
How do you typically use your vehicle?
- How many people do you typically transport?
- What do you typically haul (sporting goods, work tools, groceries, pets, etc.)?
- How often do you drive on the highway?
- Do you tow (trailer, boat, small equipment, etc.)?
- How do you handle driving in winter conditions (snow, slush, etc.)?
- Do you value fuel economy over space or towing capability?
Try to prioritize your list of needs. Keep in mind that while a larger vehicle will give you more space, it could cost more to fill up with gas, insure, and maintain. Smaller vehicles will be easier to park and can get better gas mileage, but might not be as functional if you regularly tow or haul.
Set a Budget Around the Full Cost
Given a long enough payment period, almost any vehicle can fit within anyone’s monthly payment amount. That’s why it’s important to consider the entire cost of owning a vehicle, and Business Insider is the least fluffy write-up I've seen at https://www.businessinsider.com/total-cost-owning-car-rising-f150-toyota-rav-tesla-2024-3. In addition to the cost of the vehicle, don’t forget to factor in the cost of insurance, registration, gas, maintenance, tires, repairs, etc.
If you have a vehicle to trade in, it’s best to determine what it’s worth separately from the vehicle you’re looking to purchase so you have a clear idea of your next vehicle’s total cost.
A good exercise to try:
- Determine the maximum amount of money you’re willing to spend (financed amount).
- Determine the maximum monthly payment you’d be comfortable with.
- Determine how much you can budget for insurance, maintenance, and repairs.
Compare the Options and Test Them Properly
There’s no one answer as to whether it’s better to buy new or used; the practical side of Portage Car Dealerships starts there. New vehicles offer peace of mind thanks to warranties, up-to-date safety features, and the knowledge that no one else has driven them before. Used vehicles can offer more bang for your buck, giving you more vehicles for your money.
Verify the Details Before Committing
Knowing what questions to ask will make the car buying process easier on everyone. What warranties are available? What are the financing options? How much is my trade-in worth? What services/maintenance do you recommend? What fees will I be responsible for?
If financing, make sure you know the annual percentage rate, payment period, the amount you’ll be financing, and the total cost of the vehicle over the life of the loan. Just because you can get the monthly payment lower by increasing the length of the loan period doesn’t mean it’s in your best interest to do so. You could wind up owing more money on the vehicle than it’s worth for longer than you’d like.
When shopping for a used vehicle, it’s a good idea to ask what inspections have been performed, and if there are any recommended services that haven’t been performed yet.
Ask for itemized prices in writing, and make sure you understand the components that could cause your payment to change.
Give Yourself Permission to Pause
Even if you’ve done all of the above, it’s a good idea to take your time when purchasing a vehicle (unless you’re racing against an expiring offer, of course). Run the numbers at home, double check your must-have features list, and make sure the vehicle is still a good fit outside of the pressure of the car buying environment. That said, don’t overthink it, gather as much information as you need to feel confident in your decision and move on!
Before You Bring It Home
When you’re ready to purchase your vehicle, come prepared with your driver’s license, proof of insurance, financing preapproval (if applicable), and the title and/or financing information for your trade-in. Before signing anything, read over the details carefully, make sure the vehicle information is correct, and ask for a checklist of items you should be aware of before driving off.
Before you leave, get comfortable in the driver’s seat, pair your phone if applicable, locate the position of the spare tire/tire repair kit, and make sure you’ve received all of the remotes/keys for your vehicle.
Business Daily Media
