Options and Accessories
One of the quickest ways to turn a $25,000 minivan into a $45,000 one is to choose a full plate of accessories, from roof racks to floor mats. I’d recommend putting all of your non-safety options to the budget test first. Do you really need heated front seats, chrome accents and the 12-speaker deluxe sound system? A rear-seat DVD entertainment system may be a good option if you have young children, but you may be able to purchase a superior aftermarket DVD system for hundreds (if not thousands) less at a reputable car stereo/DVD system installer.
Extended warranties can also be something to consider, especially if you intend to keep the vehicle for a long period of time. Be sure to read the warranty terms carefully to make sure that the most important components of the car – drive train, suspension, body integrity, etc. – are covered.
Buy or Lease?
A lengthy discussion of whether to buy or lease your vehicle may be outside of the scope of this article, but here are a few quick pointers. If you intend to keep your vehicle for a long period of time, purchasing your car is usually the best option. If you’d prefer to drive newer vehicles and trade-up to a new model every few years, leasing is likely the way to go. As is the case with extended warranty service and other add-ons, be sure to read the fine print carefully and make sure what is offered matches your needs.
New or Used?
Should you buy a used vehicle, or just look at new vehicles? As always, it depends on your budget and what you’re looking for in a vehicle. If you want the latest safety features and other new options – and have the budget to absorb the depreciation that always hits new cars as soon as they’re driven off the lot – buying new would be a good option.
Several manufacturers offer certified used vehicle programs, where you can get vehicles just a few years old, yet backed by a factory warranty and other support. Buying from a used car dealer or private seller are also options, but be sure to verify the history of any used vehicle by employing a VIN verification service like CarFax. I’d also suggest you take any used vehicle to a qualified, independent auto mechanic for examination before making any new car purchase.
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