Buying a car is a significant investment. Whether you are purchasing a new or used vehicle, you know how important it is to rely on your car when you need it. CarGuard Administration plans help protect that purchase from unforeseen issues in the future.
Cars have more technology and features than ever, which can be expensive and time-consuming to fix when something breaks. Read on to learn more about the car-buying process and why a Vehicle Protection Plan from CarGuard Administration is necessary.
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Low Inventory
It’s no secret that the global chip shortage has had a massive impact on the automotive industry. Car dealership lots are often nearly empty and the waiting list to get a new car is often weeks or months. In turn, used car prices are through the roof because the demand is so high.
In this new automotive landscape, it’s important to start shopping for a car before you’re ready. When you know that you will want or need to purchase a new car, start researching and looking at vehicles before you’re ready to avoid or minimize long waits to get your new ride.
Check out what your local dealership has for inventory that meets your needs, and get on their radar. Let them know the vehicle you want, your timeline, and your budget so that you can set clear expectations for the next steps.
Car dealerships are at the mercy of the vehicles that have been allotted to them by the automakers, so they should be able to prepare you as far as what to expect and typical wait times.
Be Smart About Trades
The used car market is wild right now. With new cars being so hard to come by, dealerships want your used car. This is one of the few times in recent history that almost all customers will benefit more than the dealership in a trade or buy-back process.
Make sure you know the value of your vehicle before approaching a car dealership to trade it in. Use an online tool like Kelley Blue Book or Carvana to get an estimate of what to expect. Often car dealerships use these same tools to calculate your trade-in value.
If you feel like you aren’t being offered a fair amount for your vehicle trade, consider selling to an online retailer like Carvana or Carmax. Most will quote you a price online and come pick the car up with a check for you on the spot. It’s a great option if the trade route doesn’t work out.
Flexibility is Key
Gone are the days when you could go into a car dealership with a lengthy list of exact specifications that you want in your new car and go home with it that day. Most car dealers only get a certain amount of new cars each month, and there is little to no wiggle room.
When preparing to buy a car, definitely have a list of your “non-negotiable” items like safety features you can’t live without, but be prepared to make a few sacrifices on things like interior and exterior color, sunroofs, convenience features, etc.
Share your list of must-haves and nice-to-haves with the car salesperson. They will compare your list against the inventory list that they have on the lot or cars that are coming in soon and will usually find a way to hit as many as possible.
If you’re buying a used car, flexibility is even more important. Because used cars are so hard to get right now, they are a hot commodity. If you see a vehicle you like, quickly move on it because it may not be there tomorrow.
If you find a car that meets 6/10 of your must-haves, that might be as close as you’ll get. It’s important to know what you are willing to budge on and have an open mind.
Research Before You Go
The best thing to do to prepare to buy a car is to do lots of research before you even enter a car dealership. Narrow down the car make and model you’re interested in, see the average prices in your area, and look for a reputable local dealership.
Also, look into vehicle protection plans; for example, a protection plan provider is CarGuard. They have plans to fit every lifestyle and budget, and it’s one less thing to have to navigate at the dealership if you already have it lined up with CarGuard.
By arming yourself with the knowledge of the car marketplace, you will set yourself up for a successful and hopefully stress-free car buying experience. Many dealerships are offering a lot of their services online, so you can even complete most of the buying process from your home.
Protect Your Purchase
If you’re buying a new or used vehicle, chances are you’re hoping it will last you a long time and be a reliable form of transportation for years to come. Inevitably something will happen with your car at some point, which is where vehicle protection plans come in.
Newer vehicles have so much technology, from engines to computers or even fancy headlights. The factory warranty often only covers components for a portion of time. You don’t want to be stuck with a major bill if one of the main components in your car fails.
CarGuard Administration offers flexible Vehicle Protection Plans that fit your lifestyle and budget. Their plans are easy to understand and are made to protect you, the consumer. They ensure that you are covered in most cases if your car needs a major repair.
Most car dealerships will offer you different vehicle protection plans during the car-buying process. Still, those plans are often challenging to understand, and the price is marked up quite a bit. With CarGuard, what you see is what you get. You can customize a plan that works for you.
CarGuard’s flexible, affordable plans will ensure that you aren’t without a car in the event of a major repair. They have options that cover everything from the powertrain to major engine and technology repairs and will make sure you have a rental while your car is in the shop as well.
