How to Make Your Car Buying Experience Stress-Free

If you are preparing to go car shopping soon, you want to plan out the experience in advance. With some preparation, you can quickly make your car buying experience stress free. At Phil Long Dealerships, we have some tips to help you retain your sanity during this critical time.

Make a List of Necessities

Before you get started, it's critical to figure out what you need. Not only does this require you to look at your budget, but you also want to consider the features and style you choose. Make a list of everything that is a must-have. From here, you can also create a list of things you would like to have but aren't a must. If there's some wiggle room in the budget, you can add these features to the final purchase.

Research Vehicles that Meet Those Necessities

With your list in hand, you can start shopping with these criteria guiding your way. You can do a lot of your research and shopping online, with most dealerships showing you what's available without leaving your home or office.

Find a Reliable Dealer with Inventory that Meets Your Needs

In some ways, it's more important to find the dealer you want to work with than the car itself. A reputable dealer can get you what you need, which is why it's best to shop based on the premier dealerships in the region. At Phil Long Dealerships, you know that we are highly rated and consistently exceed customer expectations. Therefore, we can get you behind the wheel of your dream vehicle want for less. You can save a lot of time by working with us from the beginning.

Schedule Test Drives

Once you find the cars you want to consider, it's time to try them out. After all, it's hard to know if a vehicle will fit your needs without first driving it. Schedule a time to take it out on the road. It's best if you can find a path that's similar to what you will be driving. For example, if your commute involves highway travel, try to get your prospective car out on a nearby highway. 

We have locations across Colorado and New Mexico. Find a Phil Long near you and schedule a test drive today!

Before You Drive, Learn About the Car

Wait! Before you get in that car, take a peek around the cabin and play with the gadgets. Ask your salesman about all of the features included in each package. You don't want to try these things out while driving, as it's important to know where all of the valuable controls are before you need them. If you aren't sure how to use something, ask before driving away. You should also take a look over the specifications to ensure it fits all of your needs.

Questions to Ask Yourself During the Test Drive

While you are taking the test drive, make sure you ask these questions.

Does this Car Fit Me?

If you are driving alone most of the time, you don't need a lot of back seat room. However, suppose you are driving with a family. In that case, you want to ensure the backseat and trunk configuration will fit your family size and includes enough space for any extracurricular equipment your family uses. 

How Does the Car Feel?

Is the car easy to handle? Do you feel in control while you are driving? You should be comfortable driving the car, knowing that you will enjoy whatever the road throws at you. 

Is it Fuel Efficient?

With fuel costs on the rise, you must factor in the projected gas costs into the mix. It's great that you can afford the monthly payments, but you also want to keep some money aside to pay for fuel. By looking at the EPA-estimated figures, you should get an idea of what you might spend. 

Does this Car Fit my Requirements?

Take one final look at your list of needs to ensure this car checks all of the boxes. If so, you are ready to make a deal. 

Ask About Deals and Savings Available for the Vehicle

You want to get the best price possible on your car, whether it's new or used. At our premier dealerships, we can provide the lowest rates possible on both lease offers and financing deals. If you aren't working with one of our dealerships, you will likely have to negotiate the price to get a good deal. That's not the case with our team, which already ensures you get the latest specials you qualify for.

Phil Long Takes the Stress Out of Car Buying

At Phil Long Dealerships, we work with a variety of credit scores. Even if you have made some financially poor choices in the past, we can help you get back on your feet.

Find the perfect vehicle for you and schedule a test drive today at one of our Colorado or New Mexico Phil Long Dealerships and find out what gives us higher ratings than the competition.

Buy a New Car with Phil Long

When you buy a new vehicle with Phil Long Dealerships, you know you are getting the best price. Browse our wide selection of

But a Used Car with Phil Long

You don't have to get a new model when Phil Long offers so many pre-owned vehicles to pick from in Colorado and New Mexico. Browse our online selection at Phil Long.

Lease a Car with Phil Long

With Phil Long you can lease a new car in Colorado or New Mexico stress free. Find a location near you and schedule a test drive today!