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Being a grownup means getting a job, saving for retirement, and knowing which of the bread plates on the table is yours. Popular “how-to” sites and blogs will also suggest upgrading your clothes, briefcase and handbag in order to fool everyone into thinking that you have your life together. Another item on that upgrade list might be your car. If the vehicle you currently drive was purchased entirely or in part by your parents, it is likely time to think about purchasing your first grownup car. Do your homework on selecting and paying for a vehicle before visiting one of the many dealerships in Springfield, MA, and you can drive off the lot in a car that helps maintain the ruse. The first step in selecting a car is considering what type of vehicle will meet your needs. Be realistic about the ways in which you will use your car. You are likely hauling groceries, taking road trips, or picking up home improvement supplies for weekend projects. At the very least, you will need trunk or cabin space for luggage and an ice chest, because being a grownup with a real job usually means two weeks of vacation. Another thing to consider when determining what size vehicle you need is how much you want to pay for gas, and how frequently you will need to refuel. The general rule is that smaller vehicles require less gas and are more fuel efficient, but the trade-off is less room for your things and friends. Many dealerships carry a range of vehicles with varying fuel requirements, so once you have a vehicle type in mind, do some research to have an informed conversation with a salesperson. Once you figure out what type of vehicle you will need, you need to figure out how you are going to pay for it. Of course, this assumes you have saved enough for a down payment without tapping into your emergency fund. Estimating the cost of ownership, including gas, insurance, and maintenance, should help you close in on the type of vehicle you need that is also within your price range. CNN Money recommends not only knowing your budget before shopping for a car, but also comparing loans available at banks and credit unions and getting pre-approved for a loan, if you are financing your purchase. New cars, used cars, and leasing are all options to consider while scouring dealerships, for a deal. For many, resisting the allure of a shiny, new car for a vehicle three to four years old is the grownup thing to do. Thanks to products liability litigation, cars built within the last few years are just as safe as brand-new cars. They will likely meet all the requirements on your checklist, and cost around a third of a new car. Finally, leasing a new car is an option if you do not plan to keep the car for a long time, but be prepared to look beyond the advertised monthly payment to know the true cost. Ready to upgrade vehicles? Start your search by reading more about dealerships in Springfield MA at: http://marcotteford.com/
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