Senior year is quickly coming to an end, which means it’s time to start planning for your next big adventure. Continue reading for some helpful car shopping tips so that you or your grad can drive to college with the perfect set of wheels.
Car Shopping Tips
Choose a Car That Will Help You Succeed
Finding the right car goes behind personal style preferences and color choices. Consider what this next stage of life will look like, and prioritize features that will make that lifestyle a reality.
If you plan to travel home from school often, commute from the city, or make weekend vacations a priority, then search for a car with low mileage and excellent fuel efficiency. Generally speaking, smaller vehicles offer better gas mileage, so consider buying a sedan, a hatchback, or a small SUV.
Also consider the environment and terrain you’ll commonly experience. If you plan to drive on the beach or decide to move to a college known for its icy winters, then you’ll require a vehicle with all-wheel drive.
With so many unknowns on the horizon, choosing a car with features that can adapt to the daily unknowns may be the way to go. Seats that collapse to provide excellent cargo space when needed may give you the versatility you need to accommodate whoever or whatever each day requires.
Have You Considered Buying Used?
Driving a brand new car off the lot has its advantages. The stress of wondering how the car was handled and maintained by its previous owner won’t keep you up at night, and you can drive to college with a blank slate.
Buying used, however, offers even more advantages. Buying used will stretch each dollar to give you the most value for your money. The greatest amount of depreciation occurs in the first three years of a car’s life, so buying a used car that is in good quality is a safe way to protect your investment.
With many resources available such as CARFAX, you can see how well a used car was maintained simply by typing in the vehicle’s serial number. For added reassurance, you can look for a certified pre-owned (CPO) model. A CPO car has been inspected and refurbished by a licensed technician to ensure the vehicle is in excellent condition. Often, buying a CPO car comes with additional perks, such as an extended warranty or available finance options.
Test Drive Your Next Car in Wilmington, NC
The best way to find the perfect car is to experience it in person. Schedule a test drive at Matthews Motors Wilmington. We have an impressive inventory of used cars for sale in Wilmington, North Carolina. Give us a call today to get started.
