Buying a car can be as exciting as it is overwhelming. Thus, this post by Mike Ford Shop in Ham Lake has put together a few tips on choosing the right vehicle and making a wise buying decision.

Are you buying a car soon? While becoming a car owner may fill you with excitement, the car-buying process can be more complex than you expect. After all, you must find a vehicle that fits your preferences, needs, lifestyle, and budget. That said, you must consider a few things to make an informed and confident car buying decision. If you are interested in this topic and want to learn some tips, keep reading this post by Mike Ford Shop.

Reach out to Mike Ford Shop at (763) 257-3130 for advice on what products to use during your car maintenance routine. Don't forget to stop by AMSOIL's online shop to buy the top synthetic oil in Ham Lake.

Top 5 Things to Consider When Buying a Car

Set Your Budget

For starters, make a list of all your monthly earnings and expenses to set up a budget. Getting your finances in order may seem tedious, yet, it will make a big difference when paying for your car. To make a budget, start by identifying your monthly loans and debts. Then, calculate your fixed expenses for rent, food, and utilities. Once you review your fees and monthly bills, determine how much you can save per month toward purchasing your car. In doing so, keep in mind that a good rule of thumb is not to spend more than 20% of your monthly salary on purchasing a car. Also, remember that the vehicle's sale price will only account for a part of your monthly payments. To register and care for the car, you must consider extra fees like gasoline, registration, maintenance, and insurance. Upon completing your budget, you'll know exactly how much you can pay for a vehicle. Thus, you will be able to narrow down your search to those options you can easily and reasonably afford.

Take Your Needs Into Account

To choose the ideal car, you must be clear about what you need it for. After all, there are all kinds of vehicles on the market. Just as you can find sedans for comfortable city driving, you can also find SUVs for off-road trips or pickup trucks for hauling and towing. If you don't define what you need and want, you could choose a vehicle incompatible with your personality and lifestyle. So, we recommend you ask yourself the following questions to define what you need:

• What are the reasons why you need a car?
• How do you plan to use your vehicle?
• Do you plan to be on the open road frequently?
• How many passengers will you carry in the vehicle on a day-to-day basis?
• How many years do you plan to use the car before upgrading?
• Do you need to tow heavy equipment?
• Do you need ample cargo space?

Keep your engine in top condition by feeding it with AMSOIL's XL 10W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil, a product designed to deliver superior engine protection against wear, friction, and heat. Call Mike Ford Shop at (763) 257-3130, or browse AMSOIL's online store to place an order for the most effective synthetic oil in Ham Lake.

New or Used?

You will find plenty of new and used car models as soon as you know what type of vehicle you need. If you have the possibility of buying a new car, you will have the certainty that its parts and mechanical systems are brand new and reliable. Likewise, you will have the advantage of paying less money for its maintenance since, being a new car, it will have no wear or previous breakdowns. As for the disadvantages, new vehicles are pretty expensive. Today, the average price of a brand new model is around $47,000. On top of that, you need to know that new cars depreciate faster than used ones and can lose up to 20% of their value during the first year. Then there are the second-hand vehicles. These are an excellent option if you are looking for affordability. You may even find models with one or two years of use in perfect shape. Yet, the condition of a pre-loved car is always uncertain. That's why, if you decide to go for this option, we recommend having it checked by a mechanic first to avoid buying a car that needs a lot of repairs.

Book a Test Drive for Each of Your Final Options

Once you have narrowed down your choices to two or three vehicles, ask for a test drive with each one. Following this step is imperative because, no matter how flashy a car may look to you, you could find it uncomfortable or not as responsive behind the wheel. Thus, take a test drive with your final options and test how they perform on the road. See how they feel when accelerating, braking, reversing, and cornering. Check if they have enough headroom inside the cabin and if they are comfortable for you. At the end of each test, you should list out the pros and cons to see which model best suits what you are looking for.

Read Your Car Contract Carefully

Finally, avoid signing papers in a hurry once you've made up your mind about a car. Instead, take your time and ask for a copy of the agreement to read it carefully. You can also ask the seller for a final estimate to check all the taxes and costs associated with the vehicle's buy. If there is any term or clause you are unclear about, don't hesitate to call the seller for clarification. The most important thing is that you fully understand what you are signing to have a problem-free closing.

After buying a car, one of the first things to do is give it the most effective synthetic oil in Ham Lake. For advice on which formulas to use, reach out to the oil pros at Mike Ford Shop at (763) 257-3130. Don't forget to visit AMSOIL's online store to explore the full line of products.