6 things everyone should do when considering buying a car

Whether you’re looking at upgrading or have decided that now is the time to buy your first car, more and more people are deciding that having their own car is the safest and most hygienic way of getting around right now.

But deciding to buy a new car is a big deal. It’s one of the most important decisions we make in our adult lives, along with deciding where we want to settle down in the world and pursuing the kind of lifestyle we desire.

Think of it as an investment for your future. Like any investment, you’ve got to choose wisely before you even consider putting your money down. This, of course, requires a little pre-planning and taking some strategic action.

Let’s not forget, we’re living in an unprecedented time. Maybe you’re considering buying a new car to ensure you can get to where you need to be safely and to minimize your contact with others. Or, perhaps you plan to do a series of epic road trips through our beautiful province when it’s safe to do so.

Whatever your reasons may be, we worked with Nissan to come up with six things to consider when buying a new car in Vancouver, using the new 2020 Nissan Sentra as a benchmark.

Assess your needs

First and foremost, assess your needs and how a car fits into your lifestyle. Do you drive to work? Do you need a car to do grocery shopping? Does anyone in your family rely on you to drive them to activities? Do your weekend adventures usually require a car? If your answer to any of these questions is “yes,” then you’re in a good place to consider getting a new car.

Once you’ve figured out what you need a car for, you can match the features accordingly. For example, the Sentra’s enhanced steering feel can help you feel confident on the twisty Sea-to-Sky highway if you’re planning to travel locally this year.

Conduct research

Okay, this might be the part that makes you roll your eyes (sorry), but conducting research is actually an enjoyable element of buying a new car. It allows you to determine what you’re looking for, and to streamline your options (think of it like your list of non-negotiables).

Perhaps fuel efficiency is something is important for you because you’re running more errands in your car. According to a 2018 poll by the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), gas costs the average Canadian $1,500 a year for a compact vehicle.

You won’t have to visit your Kitsilano gas station on the reg as much if you use a fuel-efficient car like the Nissan Sentra, which offers great fuel economy thanks to its enhanced Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Alternatively, maybe you want the latest tech like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to keep you connected. Whatever your preference, research will help you stay focused.

Set your budget

When it comes to setting your budget, you’ve got to be realistic. There’s no point in buying a new car if it means you’ll be living on packets of noodle soup for lunch and dinner for the next few months. Map out your biggest expenses, your smaller day-to-day costs, and the amount of money you save from each paycheque. When this is done, you’ll have a clearer idea of what you can afford in terms of payments, not to mention routine scheduled maintenance (with costs ranging from $500 to $700 a year) and an average insurance cost of $1,832 based on ICBC’s 2019 information.

There are plenty of financing options depending on your budget. For example, you could put down a larger payment at the get-go which would lower your future monthly payments. You could choose a finance option spread out over a longer period of time, or lease to own a car if that works best for you.

Build your dream car

The beauty of living in the age of technology is that you can configure your dream car from the comfort of your own home. After evaluating transmission and trim options, you can style your dream car online, to match your personality.

With the 2020 Nissan Sentra, for example, you can choose from base model exterior colours like white, grey, and black, or upgrade your ride and go for a bolder look like orange or bright blue. Then, you can select an interior colour (charcoal cloth) before choosing the accessories you want (interior accent lighting, we see you). How cool is that?

Review and sign ownership contract

When you visit the dealership to check out your new car, review and sign off on your ownership contract, remember to double-check all details, especially the payment schedule.

To give you an idea of costs, the Nissan Sentra starts at $18,798. Interest rates as well as lease and finance specific payment terms are always subject to change, so be sure to check those with your closest dealership for the most up to date information

Drive home in style

There’s no better feeling than driving your brand new car home for the first time. It’s a seriously proud moment in adulthood, and it’s assuring to know you’ve invested your money into a part of your lifestyle that you value.

To discover the role that the 2020 Nissan Sentra or other Nissan vehicles could play in your future, visit ChooseNissan.ca now.