Blog
5 Steps to Buying Your First Car
You got your first job and you’re renting an apartment of your own. The next testament to your full independence is to buy your first car. Buying your first car can be overwhelming, but doing research ahead of time will make it less daunting and help you arrive at an informed decision on the best car for you. Here are some tips:
Set a budget.
First, you should decide how much you want to spend on a car. You’ve already decided to get a used car and may have set aside money. It may not be enough if you have your sight on a luxury vehicle, in which case you may also want to consider financing. Also consider the costs of owning a car – gas, maintenance and repair. Come up with a realistic budget, compare cars, then determine which vehicle would have the best value for you.
Start your research.
You can begin by reading car reviews online, on sites like the Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, Consumer Reports. These sites have professional reviews of different cars they have road tested. Make a list of features you want in your new car. This will help you easily compare vehicles and decide on the make, model and year of vehicle you would like to own.
Refine your car search.
After you get general overviews of cars, you’ll need to refine your vehicle search. If you have a long commute to and from work, a good fuel economy vehicle may be a good choice. Do you want a car with the latest technology gadgets? Are the latest safety features more important to you?
Check with your insurer.
Check with your current insurance company to see how much it will cost to insure different vehicles, since the cost to insure different makes and models varies.
Be patient.
If you are patient, you can benefit by scouting for deals or timing your purchase with a dealer’s sales, many of which happen during a holiday. Dealers offer end of summer deals and incentives on older models to make room for the newer models.
Most people remember the first car they bought on their own. With a little research and preparation, you will have a rewarding experience and remember yours!
Carousel Pre-Owned serving Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, North Liberty, Marion, and Coralville, IA is proud to be an automotive leader in our community. Since opening our doors, Carousel Pre-Owned has maintained a solid commitment to you, our customers. We do our best to ensure your complete satisfaction every time you step into our car dealership. This is why we offer the widest selection of used and pre-owned Cars, Trucks, and SUVs and provide true ease of purchase in Iowa.
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Date: May 10 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
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Should You Pay Cash for a Used Car
Date: April 28 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
You’ve done your research on the type of car you want and you are ready to approach the dealer. The question is, will you get a better deal if you pay all cash for a pre-owned car?
A buyer paying all cash may appeal to a seller, but cash may not always be king when it comes to buying a used car. Paying all cash for a car would save you money on interest charges and could save you time in a dealership, but it may not always guarantee that you’ll get a better deal.
Preparing Your Car to Sell to the Dealership
Date: April 20 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
So, you’re ready to say good-bye to your car. Maybe you want to replace it because it’s giving you more trouble than you want to deal with; or, maybe just want a change - something new or newer.
Of course, you’d like to get the most money out of your car. At Carousel Pre-Owned, we want to help our customers be informed, so here are a few things you can do to prepare your car so you get the most for trade-in.
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Date: April 13 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
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15 Car Buying Questions You Should Ask
Date: Mar. 29 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
It’s a rare person who enjoys the car buying process. More often than not, we find ourselves wondering what questions we should ask when we’re at the dealership. And when we do purchase a new car, we wonder “Did I get a good deal?”
Getting a good deal is more than just price. At Carousel Preowned, we want to help our customers be informed; help them know what questions to ask. So, we’ve compiled a list of 15 car buying questions you should ask. Some of these questions may not be applicable to your situation and there may even be more that we forgot, but it’s a start and we hope it’s helpful.
Cost Considerations for Used Cars
Date: Mar. 22 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
You’re considering purchasing a new or used car, but when it comes to the cost and your budget – what should you know about? For starters, used cars are the most affordable. The average new car can range anywhere from $20,000 to $55,000 according to Kelly Blue Book. While the average used car can range anywhere from a few thousand to the average $13,000.
Beyond the sticker price, it’s smart to get ahead of expenses like maintenance, repairs, parking, gas and more. To get a handle on your budget, determine ceilings for down payment costs, monthly payments, insurance in addition to miscellaneous expenses like parking and gas. Here’s what you need to remember when budgeting for your used car.
Date: Mar. 15 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
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Date: Mar. 6 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
You’re ready to sell your car. You have a few options, some easier than others. You can sell it on your own, privately. This will often get you the most money, however it requires a great deal of time and effort. You can use sites like Cars.com or AutoTrader, which also require time and effort. Or, you can sell your car to a dealership. Here’s what you need to know if you’re selling your car to a dealership.
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Date: Feb.22 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
There are many reasons why buying a used car rather than a new car is a wise choice. But there are also factors that should be taken into consideration before purchasing a used car. Good mileage is one them. But how much mileage is good for a used car? Here’s what to know before purchasing a used car.
Date: Feb.1 , 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
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Date: Jan. 18, 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
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Date: Jan. 18, 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
You’ve decided to purchase a new car – fantastic! We invite you to look at our online selection of used cars and certified pre-owned vehicles. We are confident that your dream car is here on our parking lot. As you’re looking for your vehicle, we’ve compiled a helpful checklist for you to reference to help ensure a fantastic customer experience.
Advantages of Buying a Used Car
Date: Jan. 11, 2018 | Category: Car Shopping
Used cars are a great option for all kinds of drivers. They offer benefits like having more options and lower prices, making them an excellent and affordable choice. If you’re considering buying a used car, read on to find out more about how Carousel Preowned can help.
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Date: Dec. 19, 2017 | Category: Car Shopping
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If you are looking to buy a car for yourself or a family member, consider purchasing a used car instead of a new car. Carousel Preowned is a trusted used car dealer, and we believe that our high-quality used cars will fulfill your transportation needs.
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