Car Shopper’s Guide to Finding the Right Vehicle

If you’re researching how to buy a car in Houma, Louisiana, we want to make your experience fun and rewarding at Barker Buick GMC. Let’s walk step-by-step through the car-buying process to help you pick out the right model and make the proper plans for your purchase.

Identifying Your Needs

To get started, think about what you need your next vehicle to do. Providing your transportation is a given, but are there any other goals you want to accomplish with your next car? If you frequently travel with friends and family, a larger SUV with safety tools, a spacious cabin, and even three rows could be a smart investment. If convenience and efficiency matter to you, then a compact SUV might be the perfect fit. If you routinely haul heavy cargo or tow trailers and boats, then it sounds like a pickup truck could be what you need. Look at the capabilities of these models as well. A vehicle with all-wheel drive would come in handy if you often travel down gravel or muddy roads. Of course, safety, efficiency, and reliability are all important factors to consider as well.

How to Set a Budget for Your Next Car

By establishing a budget beforehand, you can protect yourself from overcommitting your funds for a vehicle that costs too much. Setting a budget also helps you narrow down the options to vehicles that work with your situation. Remember the conventional wisdom that transportation costs should stay within 15 percent of your monthly income.

Costs to Consider When Shopping for a Car

While setting your budget, consider each option’s true cost of ownership, not just the number on the price tag. In addition to the price of the vehicle, you’ll also have to plan for its fuel costs, insurance rate, interest rate on the auto loan, and maintenance.

What to Look for on a Test Drive

For an investment as valuable as your next vehicle, it’s only logical to try before you buy. When you’ve narrowed your options down to a couple of models, schedule a test drive with the dealer so that the vehicles will be ready for you. As you take your test drive, ask yourself these essential questions:

• How is driver visibility?
• Is the cabin comfortable with all the room you and your passengers need?
• Do you feel confident with the steering and brakes?
• Is the ride as calm or sporty as you prefer?

How to Choose the Right Car

When you get back from your test drive, you should have the info necessary to make the right decision. There’s no pressure to decide right away, and you’re welcome to discuss your decision with the team or even your future passengers. You can even sleep on it if you need to. If all the remaining options deliver the essentials you need, consider which model packs more of the extras you love, or which one you think you’ll appreciate as much years down the road.

How to Get an Auto Loan

An auto loan allows you to complete your purchase without having cash for the full price on hand. When you finance your vehicle, a lender will look at factors like your credit score to see how much money they’ll let you borrow for the purchase. They’ll then give you a set amount of time (often 36, 48, or 60 months) to pay off the loan plus interest.

Lenders offer various kinds of loans depending on the situation. If this is your first time purchasing a vehicle, you might be eligible for a first-time car buyer’s loan, which can come with fewer fees and a lower down payment. If you want to boost your down payment, you can also trade-in your old vehicle and use its value toward the purchase. To see what a trade-in can do for you, try our Value Your Trade feature for a free appraisal.

Find Your Vehicle at Barker Buick GMC

Whenever you’re ready to find the right vehicle for your goals, we’ll help you pick it out here at Barker Buick GMC. Come visit our dealership at 6444 W Main Street, Houma, Louisiana 70360 for expert help every step of the way.