Car Shopping Guide in Jefferson City, TN

Car Shopper’s Guide to Finding the Right Vehicle at Tarr Chevrolet

Thinking about buying a new car in Jefferson City, Tennessee? If you plan ahead, you can set yourself up for a fun and rewarding car-shopping experience, and our team is here to help at Tarr Chevrolet. Let’s walk through each step of the car-buying journey to prepare you for each decision you’ll have to make.

Identify Your Needs

To get started, think about what you need from your new car. In addition to your essential transportation, is there any specific function or role it should serve? If you need to move heavy payloads or trailers, then a truck could be the right choice, and if convenience and efficiency matter to you, then consider a compact SUV. If you tend to travel with family and friends, you might benefit from the increased passenger and cargo space of a larger SUV. Remember that safety, affordability, and reliability are frequently car shoppers’ top priorities for a good reason, so keep these factors in mind with any vehicle you consider.

Set Your Budget

Buying a vehicle is a major purchase, so it’s important to set a budget in advance. Planning how much you’re able to spend will help you avoid making a commitment that your finances aren’t ready for, and it can also help you rule out options that are outside of a comfortable price range. Conventional car-shopper wisdom holds that your transportation expenses should be kept within 15 percent of your monthly income.

Consider the True Cost to Own

As you weigh your options, keep in mind that the sticker price isn’t the only expense you’ll need to budget for. A vehicle’s true cost of ownership involves additional costs both up front and over the lifespan of the vehicle, so be sure that your budget will cover the price of the vehicle as well as its maintenance costs, fuel expenses, fees, insurance rate, and the interest rate of your auto loan.

Take a Test Drive

It always pays to try before you buy, especially with a decision as big as buying your next vehicle. When you’ve narrowed down your options to two or three top choices, contact the dealership to schedule a test drive for each model. It’s easy to schedule a test drive, and planning them in advance ensures that the dealer will have the vehicles ready for your arrival. As you test drive each option, ask yourself analytical questions like these to see if it’s a good fit?

• Can you see clearly out all sides of the vehicle?
• Will the interior and ride be comfortable for your passengers as well as yourself?
• Do you feel comfortable with the acceleration and brakes?
• Do you like the way the car handles and performs in general?

Getting an Auto Loan

If you don’t intend to pay the full price of your next car all at once, you can finance the purchase with an auto loan. To get an auto loan that works for you, you’ll need to share income and credit information with a lender, who will use those details to determine how much money you can borrow. Once you’ve used the auto loan to complete your transaction, you’ll pay back the lender over time, usually a 36-, 48-, or 60-month period.

Depending on your individual circumstances, you might be eligible for certain loan types with unique perks or conditions. A first-time car buyer’s loan could let you take advantage of fewer fees as well as a lower down payment, while other options might feature lower interest rates and more. Be sure to ask our finance team about what auto loan options are available to you.

How to Choose the Right Car

When you’ve finished your test drives, you should have the insight you need to make your decision. If all your options deliver the must-have qualities you’re looking for, then choosing between them might come down to the finer details. Is there a model with more of the features you like? Does one vehicle appeal to your sense of style more than the others? Keep in mind that the vehicle you choose will be a part of your daily life for years, so ask yourself which one you’ll enjoy most now and in the future.

Find Your Next Vehicle at Tarr Chevrolet

When it’s time to find the vehicle you want to drive for miles ahead, come visit us at Tarr Chevrolet. You can count on our team to help you pick out just what you need, and you might be surprised by how affordable your new Chevy can be. Our dealership is located at 304 East Broadway Boulevard, Jefferson City, Tennessee 37760, and we look forward to greeting you on the lot soon.