Questions You Should Ask Yourself Before You Start Vehicle Shopping in Colorado

Buying a vehicle is a significant investment, and it's important to do your research before you start shopping. This is especially true in Colorado, where the climate and terrain can put unique demands on your vehicle.

Here are five questions you should ask yourself before you start vehicle shopping in Colorado:

1. What type of vehicle do I need?

The first step is to determine what type of vehicle you need. Consider your lifestyle, family size, and driving habits. Do you need a sedan, SUV, truck, or something else? If you live in a mountainous area, you may need a vehicle with all-wheel or four-wheel drive. If you have a large family, you may want to consider an SUV or minivan with a third row.

A person signing paperwork for a new car.

2. How much can I afford to spend?

Once you know what type of vehicle you need, the next thing to figure out is how much you can afford to spend. This includes the purchase price, taxes, and registration fees. You also need to factor in the cost of insurance, fuel, and maintenance. New vehicles can come with some good incentives but a certified pre-owned or used is a good option as well if you're looking for a lower cost on the vehicle itself.

3. What are my financing options?

There are several different ways to finance a vehicle purchase. You can get a loan from a bank or credit union, or you can lease a vehicle. If you have good credit, you may be able to get a low-interest loan. If you don't have good credit, you may need to make a larger down payment or pay a higher interest rate.

4. Where should I shop for a vehicle?

There are many different places to shop for a vehicle in Colorado. You can visit one of our many dealerships throughout Colorado Springs, Denver, Glenwood Springs, Trinidad, or Raton, New Mexico. Phil Long brands include

  • Ford
  • Hyundai
  • Kia
  • Chevrolet
  • Toyota
  • Honda
  • Subaru
  • Audi
  • Mercedes-Benz
  • Genesis
  • Chrysler
  • Dodge
  • Jeep
  • Ram

Phil Long also has Truck World, Valucar, and 4x4 Center for additional options. And if you need any body work done; Phil Long Collision Center can help you out anytime!

A salesperson showing a family a new car.

5. How should I prepare for my test drive?

Once you've found a few vehicles that you're interested in, it's time to take it for a test drive. Here are a few things you should do to prepare for your test drive:

  • Research the vehicle's features and specifications.
  • Make a list of questions to ask the salesperson.
  • Bring your driver's license.
  • Be prepared to spend at least 30 minutes on your test drive.

Phil Long has been serving the Colorado market for years and has industry experts in sales, finance, and service. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to any of our dealerships!

Discover Your Local Phil Long Dealership!

  1. Phil Long Dealerships

    1212A Motor City Dr
    Colorado Springs, CO 80905

    • Sales: (719) 387-5744
  2. Phil Long ValuCar Motor City

    150 W MOTOR WAY
    COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80905

    • Sales: 7194530981
  3. Phil Long ValuCar MotorCity

    150 W Motor Way
    COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80905

    • Sales: 719-575-7080
  4. Phil Long Ford of Chapel Hills

    1565 Auto Mall Loop
    Colorado Springs, CO 80920

    • Sales: 719-413-6467
  5. Phil Long Ford of Denver

    7887 West Tufts Avenue
    Denver, CO 80123

    • Sales: (720) 984-0683
  6. Phil Long Lincoln - Colorado Springs

    1114 Motor City Drive
    Colorado Springs, CO 80905

    • Sales: 719-453-0782
  7. Phil Long Ford of Motor City

    1212 Motor City Drive
    Colorado Springs, CO 80905

    • Sales: 855-349-0694
  8. Phil Long Ford of Raton

    223 S. 2nd St.
    Raton, NM 87740

    • Sales: 855-480-1013
  9. Daniels Long Chevrolet

    670 Automotive Dr
    Colorado Springs, CO 80905

    • Sales: (719) 387-1081
  10. Phil Long Ford of Chapel Hills

    1565 Auto Mall Loop
    Colorado Springs, CO 80920

    • Sales: 855-343-4902
  11. Audi Colorado Springs

    550 Automotive Drive
    Colorado Springs, CO 80905

    • Sales: 719-575-7830
  12. Phil Long Ford Denver

    7887 W TUFTS AVE
    LITTLETON, CO 80123

    • Sales: 8442311474
  13. Phil Long Ford of Denver

    7887 W Tufts Ave
    Denver, CO 80123

    • Sales: 720-894-0683
  14. Phil Long Ford of Motor City

    1212 Motor City Dr
    Colorado Springs, CO 80905

    • Sales: 888-395-3451
  15. Phil Long Ford Trinidad

    426 E MAIN ST
    TRINIDAD, CO 81082

    • Sales: 1111111111
  16. Phil Long Ford of Raton, NM

    223 S 2nd St
    Raton, NM 87740

    • Sales: (855)-480-1013
  17. Mercedes-Benz of Colorado Springs

    730 Automotive Drive
    Colorado Springs, CO 80905

    • Sales: 855-349-2827
  18. Phil Long Hyundai of Chapel Hills

    1540 Auto Mall Loop
    Colorado Springs, CO 80920

    • Sales: (719) 722-2330
  19. Phil Long Toyota - Trinidad

    105 E Cedar St
    Trinidad, CO 81082

    • Sales: (855)-427-7806
  20. Phil Long Honda of Glenwood Springs

    51429 HIGHWAY 6
    Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

    • Sales: 970-665-3542
  21. Phil Long Lincoln of Colorado Springs

    1114 Motor City Drive
    Colorado Springs, CO 80905

    • Sales: 719-300-4760
  22. Phil Long Glenwood Springs Subaru

    175 Storm King Road
    Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

    • Sales: 970-486-8642
  23. Phil Long Hyundai of Motor City

    170 W Motor Way
    Colorado Springs, CO 80905

    • Sales: (719) 387-9977
  24. Phil Long ValuCar Academy

    175 N Academy Blvd
    Colorado Springs, CO 80909

    • Sales: (719)-284-9374
  25. Phil Long Kia of Colorado Springs

    1020 Motor City Drive
    Colorado Springs, CO 80905

    • Sales: 719-425-2247
Loading Map...

Get in Touch

  • Contact our Sales Department at: (719) 387-5744
  • Monday 9:00 AM-8:00 PM
  • Tuesday 9:00 AM-8:00 PM
  • Wednesday 9:00 AM-8:00 PM
  • Thursday 9:00 AM-8:00 PM
  • Friday 9:00 AM-8:00 PM
  • Saturday 9:00 AM-7:00 PM
  • SundayClosed