Car Shopping Guide in Greenville, NC

Barbour Hendrick Honda's Guide to Finding the Right Vehicle

If you've started shopping for a new vehicle, you can take certain steps to set yourself up for success. At Barbour-Hendrick Honda Greenville, we want to help you make the right car-buying decisions, and we're here to work with you through every step of the way - from identifying your needs to securing your auto loan. Let's go through each step to make sure you're prepared.

Identify What You Need

Before you can choose your next vehicle, you'll need to determine what you need from it. Along with the essentials of safety, affordability, and dependability, there might be specific qualities or capacities that would make a vehicle better suited to your situation. Do you need the extra space of a large SUV or minivan? If not, then a sedan or compact SUV could offer all the comfort and convenience necessary for your daily drive. If you own a trailer, then a pickup truck would be ideal for your towing and hauling duties. If you typically stay on streets and highways, front- or rear-wheel drive should be great for your needs, and if you head off-road or down routes without smooth pavement, then all-wheel drive could come in handy.

Set a Budget

After you identify the kind of vehicle you need, decide how much you should pay for it. If you set a budget for your vehicle, you can avoid making a commitment outside of your monetary comfort zone, and you can also weed out options to further narrow down your list. To set a budget, remember the conventional car-buying wisdom that dictates that a buyer should keep their automotive expenses within 15 percent of their monthly income.

Consider the True Cost to Own

When weighing options with your budget in mind, don't forget that the true cost to own a vehicle isn't just a matter of sticker prices. You'll have other expenses to consider, with some recurring on a regular basis. Be sure to account for each option's fees and registration costs, maintenance, car insurance, fuel or charging expenses, and the interest on the auto loan.

Take a Test Drive

Once your list has come down to two or three top options, you'll need to get a feel for each model with a test drive. Schedule your test drive in advance to be sure that the models you like will be ready at the dealership, then take mental notes while you're behind the wheel. You'll be driving this vehicle day after day, so during each test drive, be sure to ask yourself questions like these:

• Do you like the acceleration and handling?
• Are you comfortable with the steering and brakes?
• Is the ride smooth?
• Is the visibility clear?
• Is it comfortable

Auto Financing

If you don't want to pay a car's full price out of pocket, you can finance it with an auto loan. When applying for a loan, you'll provide lenders with your income and credit info, allowing them to determine how much money they can let you borrow for your purchase. You'll use that money to buy your car, then repay that amount plus interest over a set period. You may be eligible for certain auto loan options with unique perks and benefits, so remember to ask about your financing options when it's time to decide how you want to complete your purchase.

How to Choose the Right Car

When the time comes to make a decision, look at all the details that matter to you. Is there one option that clearly pulls ahead of the rest in key areas? Maybe it has more features or advanced safety options than the rest, or maybe it gets better gas mileage for the kind of driving you do most often. If it's still a close race, the decision might come down to a matter of personal style and preference. This is the vehicle you'll be driving for the foreseeable future, so make sure it's one that you'll enjoy for years down the road.

Find the Right Vehicle at Barbour-Hendrick Honda Greenville

The right vehicle for your needs is waiting for you here at our dealership, so drop by whenever you're ready to bring it home. At Barbour-Hendrick Honda Greenville, our team can show you around our selection and work with your checklist to find the model that suits your needs and lifestyle, and you're sure to save thanks to our low prices. Our dealership is conveniently located at 3300 S Memorial Drive, Greenville, North Carolina 27834, and we look forward to seeing you here soon.