How to Buy a New Car

Are you looking for a new vehicle for your Warren commute? This is an exciting opportunity, but it might not feel that way. Whether you’ve had poor dealership experiences or are unsure where to start, this can feel overwhelming. Luckily, Apostolakis Honda has put together a guide on how and when to buy a new car. Learn more below and explore our new vehicle specials to see what catches your eye!

When to Buy a New Car

This is a major financial decision, so knowing when to buy your vehicle is important. Here are some common signs that it’s time to upgrade your Boardman ride:

1. You’re consistently finding yourself paying for expensive repairs, that are impacting both your budget and time. You might pay more for repairs in a year than buying a new model.
2. You might have been a bachelor or bachelorette when you first bought your current car, but now you have a baby on the way! You might want to upgrade to a crossover SUV like the Honda HR-V. 
3. Is your current ride failing state emissions tests? Getting up to snuff can be costly and choosing a new model can save you money in the long run.

How to Find Your Ideal New Car

Now that you’ve decided this is the right time to find your next vehicle, where to begin? A great place to start is setting a budget and sticking to it. If you’re having trouble, our finance center can guide you through a payment and budget plan that works. Below, we’ve provided the steps for how to buy a new car:

1. Narrow Your Search: Consider your Youngstown-area driving habits, cargo space requirements, and desired safety and tech features, then start searching for models that meet those needs.
2. Choose Your Top Three: Select your three favorite models, then research their reliability, safety ratings, features, etc. If you have the opportunity, take each one for a test drive to see how they handle on Warren streets.
3. When you’ve decided on a final choice, do a local search to explore your dealership options, request price quotes, and research what other Cortland shoppers have paid.
4. Remember to consider any major sales weekends or holidays that can offer good deals, including Black Friday or President’s Day.

How to Afford a New Car

Now that you know when to buy a new car, it’s time to take a closer look at your preferred model. How much can you afford to spend on a new vehicle? While getting a new model is exciting, it’s important to factor in your vehicle’s cost in conjunction with other debts. Your car payments shouldn’t put your monthly bills—including credit cards, student loans, rent, etc—over a third of your monthly income. When you purchase a new vehicle, the following costs will be tacked on to your purchase price.

• New Car Sales Tax: This non-negotiable tax is added to your car loan amount.
• Interest Rate: Your vehicle’s interest rate will also impact your monthly payments. Getting a lower rate means the monthly payment will be less. However, it’s important to remember you’ll only receive a lower interest rate if you qualify, and not all drivers qualify based on their credit score.
• Trade-In Value: If you currently have a vehicle, trade it in for a new one. While most dealers will purchase the model from you and apply that amount to a new car, if you still owe money, the dealership will tack the remaining cost onto the new vehicle price. Our value-your-trade tool can give you an instant appraisal of your current model.

Reach out to our finance team to determine what kind of model works best for your budget. Start the process by applying for financing to get instant approval. You can also use our calculator to determine what your monthly payments might be like.

Discover Your New Car at Apostolakis Honda in Cortland!

Now that you know how to buy a new car, it’s time to experience the latest models at Apostolakis Honda. Whether you’re looking for a fuel-efficient Accord or a reliable minivan like the Odyssey, there’s much to consider in our inventory. Experience the newest vehicles in Cortland at Apostolakis Honda!