Finding the Right Vehicle in Owensboro, KY

Car Shopper’s Guide to Finding the Right Vehicle in Owensboro, KY

Are you getting ready to buy a vehicle in Owensboro, Kentucky? You’re sure to find what you need in our selection, and we’d also love to help you with every step of the process. Having a plan allows you to shop with confidence, so take these steps to see how to find the right vehicle for your needs.

Identify Your Needs

First, decide what exactly you need from your vehicle, in addition to daily transportation, are there any specific roles you need your next vehicle to fill? If you travel with family or large groups, a spacious SUV with three rows and smart safety features could be just what you’ve been looking for. If convenience and efficiency are essentials for you, then a compact SUV or sedan might be the way to go.

For frequent towing and hauling duties, a pickup truck could be the workhorse that’s right for you. Do you have any gravel roads or unpaved paths on your regular route? If so, you might want to invest in a model with an all-wheel drive. With any vehicle you consider, remember that safety, reliability, and fuel efficiency are generally high priorities for car shoppers.

Set a Budget

If you set a budget from the start, it can help you shop within your means. You can avoid dealing with higher expenses than you’re comfortable with by setting a reasonable limit for your vehicle expenses, so remember the conventional wisdom that your transportation costs should be within 15 percent of your monthly income.

Consider Costs

When you calculate what your monthly transportation expenses would be for the model you want, don’t forget that the sticker price isn’t the total cost. Weigh your budget against the true cost of ownership (TCO), which is made up of the auto loan payment and interest, gas expenses, maintenance, and insurance. To see what car insurance could be for the model you like, ask for a quote from your insurance provider.

Take a Test Drive

For an investment as big as your next vehicle, it’s wise to try before you buy. Schedule a test drive beforehand to make sure that the dealership will have the model ready for you, and once you’re behind the wheel, pay attention to important signs if this is the right vehicle or not:

• Does it handle well?
• Are the seats comfortable?
• Do you have good driver visibility at all angles?
• Is it easy to reach your tech features?
• Is the ride as smooth or as sporty as you prefer?
• Do you believe you would enjoy driving this vehicle every day for years?

Auto Financing

Many car shoppers choose to finance their purchase with an auto loan. When you apply for financing, the potential lender will weigh factors like your credit score to see how much money they may let you borrow. You then use that money to buy the car and will have a set time period (typically 36, 48. Or 60 months) to pay off the auto loan. The lender will also charge interest for the money you borrow.

There are different loan types fit for specific situations, and if this is your first car-buying experience, you might qualify for a first-time buyer’s loan with waived application fees and a lower interest rate. If you currently own a vehicle, you can also trade it in to use its value toward the down payment. Use our Value Your Trade appraisal form to see how you can take advantage of a quick and easy trade-in.

How to Choose the Right Car

After you’ve test driven a vehicle or two, you should be ready to make your decision. There’s no pressure to make it while you’re still in the driver’s seat, of course, and you’re welcome to talk with the team about your options, or even sleep on it. If all the finalists on your list come with all the essentials, it might come down to personal preference. Which model sports the style and amenities you like the most? Is there a model with features that you know you’ll enjoy as much down the road as you would today?

Find Your Vehicle at Don Moore Automotive

When you’re ready to take the first step toward owning your next vehicle, we’ll help you make every decision with confidence. Call or come see us at Don Moore Automotive to get behind the wheel of the vehicle you’ve been waiting for.