Guide to Finding the Right Vehicle in Ayden, NC

Doug Henry Ford of Ayden's Car Shopping Guide

Are you getting ready to buy a car in Ayden, North Carolina? The car shopping experience can be exciting and rewarding if you know what you're looking for, and we make it easy to find what you need here at Doug Henry Ford of Ayden. We also want to help you through every step of the way, so let's go over the details of the car shopping journey to help you make informed decisions.

Identify Your Needs

First, determine what you need from your next vehicle. Besides your everyday transportation, is there any particular role or duties that it should be ready for? If you just need a practical vehicle with comfortable accommodations and efficient performance, a compact SUV could be the right choice, and if you routinely transport family and friends, a larger SUV offers the extra space they need for comfort and cargo. If you have a trailer to tow, or if you work with bulky payloads, then a pickup truck delivers the power and performance you need. Also, consider the roads you travel. If you know you'll have rough trails or uneven terrain ahead, your next model may need all-wheel drive or other off-roading gear. With any situation, remember the most common priorities for car shoppers - reliability, safety, and affordability.

Set Your Budget

No driver wants to overcommit and end up spending more than they can afford. That's why it's important to analyze your financial flexibility and set a budget for your next car. Planning out what you can afford to spend on transportation can help you narrow down your options to the models that fit your financial situation, so follow the popular guideline that transportation costs should stay within 15 percent of your monthly income.

Consider the True Cost to Own

While you weigh your options against your budget, be sure to examine each vehicle's true cost of ownership. There's more to a vehicle's expenses than the price itself, so make sure your budget still covers its costs when you factor in the insurance rate, fuel costs, fees, maintenance expenses, and interest on the auto loan.

Take a Test Drive

Buying a car is an investment, and you should be familiar with what you're getting before you make your final decision. That's why it's essential to test drive the top two or three choices on your list to make sure they're a good fit for your needs and preferences. When you're down to just a few options, call the dealership to schedule a test drive, as calling ahead will give the dealer time to make sure the models you're interested in are ready to go. While you're in the driver's seat, ask yourself these questions:

• Do you like the way it accelerates, handles, and performs in general?
• Can you see well out all sides of the vehicle?
• Is the ride and interior comfortable for you and your passengers?
• Are you confident in the steering and brakes?

Getting an Auto Loan

To avoid paying the full price of the vehicle up-front, you may finance your car purchase with an auto loan. When you apply for financing, you'll provide potential lenders with essential details about your income and credit, which they'll use to determine how much money they can let you borrow. Once you've used the auto loan to complete your purchase, you'll pay back the lender over a set period of time. Auto loan terms are usually 36, 48, or 60 months, and the interest rate you pay will be determined as a percentage of the loan principal.

There might be certain kinds of loans available to you, depending on your circumstances. If this is your first auto purchase, you may be eligible for a first-time car buyer's loan with fewer fees and a lower down payment. Various other kinds of auto loans might let you take advantage of lower monthly payments or lower interest rates, so feel free to ask about your financing options. You can also use the trade-in value of your current car toward the down payment, so use our Value Your Trade tool to see how a trade-in can increase your buying power.

How to Choose the Right Car

After you've explored all your options and taken a few test drives, you should be ready to make a decision. If each of the top contenders meets your standards, then it might boil down to a matter of personal preferences. Does one vehicle sport looks or amenities that appeal to your sense of style? Is there a model with capabilities or features that give it an advantage over the others? Remember that you'll be driving this vehicle for years to come, so ask yourself which one you think you'll be happier with far down the road.

Find Your Next Vehicle at Doug Henry Ford of Ayden

Whenever you're ready to find the model you need, we'll be here to help at Doug Henry Ford of Ayden. Come visit us at our Ford dealership to see what we can do for you. We look forward to working with you here at 4057 Lee Street, Ayden, North Carolina 28513.