Buying a car can feel like an uphill battle at times, especially if you’re trying to purchase a vehicle to fit every aspect of your automotive needs. From the initial test drive to the moment you sit down to sign the final pieces of paperwork, a lot of footwork is necessary to get you from here to there. That challenge can be doubled when you’re shopping for a luxury car. Not only are luxury vehicles more expensive than their standard mid-level counterparts, but finding a good deal can be a particular challenge. Driving a luxury car comes with numerous pleasantries that you simply won’t be able to find in your run of the mill sedan, truck, or SUV. With a luxury vehicle, you’re getting a lot more for a lot more money. That said, we’ve consulted with a wide assortment of auto sales gurus to help you find the best deal on a value luxury car. From lots that advertise for used cars for sale, to taking advantage of limited-time incentives, there are many ways that you can get behind the wheel of a luxury car, and spend not as much money doing it.
Benefits of Driving a Luxury Vehicle
Visit any local luxury car dealership, and chances are you’ll be shocked at the number of zeros on the sticker. The price isn’t high for nothing; the value of a luxury car often reflects the amount of money you spent. With a quality luxury car you’re getting more than a status symbol; you’re getting a piece of machinery designed for elegance and excellence on the road. In most luxury vehicles, you’ll have the pleasure of enjoying five-star performance and a host of special amenities to make your driving experience truly spectacular.
That said, the price can be a pretty big deterrent for many hopeful drivers. Buying a regular car can be a substantial financial undertaking, but buying a luxury vehicle can feel even more so, even if said luxury car is within your budget. So, how does one make the most out of their luxury car buying experience, and how do they settle with the best deal possible? Well, there is a list of things you can do to get the best purchase price and work out a payment plan that doesn’t break the bank in the short or even long term.
Going to a Dealership that You Trust
Dealerships may well be made up of used cars for sale, but at their core, they are run by people who either do or don’t have your best interests in mind. Some dealers extend a fully customized dealership experience, tailoring their services not only to meet your unique needs but to help you come up with a financing plan to comfortably fit your budget. But, as we all know, there are also some bad actors out there – sales sharks who promise you a good deal but do little to actually find you one. For this reason, we stress the importance of having a trusted dealership and set of dealers by your side throughout your car buying process. A trusted dealer not only provides you with a pleasant car buying experience, but they’ll fight to get you the best auto loan possible.
Taking Advantage of Incentives
Every now and again, a dealership may lower the cost on some of their top-tier vehicles due to an overstock or to boost sales on a particular model. These sales events and specials can place some of the most coveted luxury models in a price range far easier to handle financially. What makes things truly remarkable is that often such deals on value luxury cars don’t come with a catch. While sales incentives may vary from dealership to dealership and event to event, taking advantage of lower prices can go a long way in helping you find a more affordable deal on a premium vehicle. Of course, before you jump on any sales special, we recommend you check the details with your dealership, as there may be requirements that can redefine the nature of the deal.
Utilizing Used Auto Dealerships
Of all the ways to get a good deal on a luxury car, we couldn’t recommend enough the use of used car dealerships. Used car dealerships give you the option of a significantly lower price on a vehicle that often looks and feels as good as new. That said, before you embark on your used car buying journey, it’s important to know the difference between used and Certified Pre-Owned models.
A Certified Pre-Owned vehicle is markedly different from a standard used model. Unlike a basic used car, Certified Pre-Owned vehicles have been thoroughly checked and rechecked following standards set by the dealership and manufacturer to give you the best driving experience possible. They inspect things such as the engine, sound system, and even windshield wipers; while making sure all recalls have been completed, they are almost like new after all is said and done. What makes Certified Pre-Owned vehicles even better is that all of these touch-ups are done by the automaker, so there’s a level of expertise there that you won’t find at your traditional mechanic’s shop. Certified Pre-Owned vehicles also come with comprehensive warranties, providing you the kind of assurance that one should be able to expect when behind the wheel of a luxury vehicle.
Used vehicles, on the other hand, tend to be far less expensive than their inspected and refurbished counterparts. Used vehicles can vary, but most dealerships do complete some inspections on the model, but they are never as rigorous as the ones on a Certified Pre-Owned model. If you know what you’re looking for, and are working with a dealership you trust, finding a good deal isn’t anywhere near as much of a challenge. While you’ll be expected to handle any repairs that may arise, buying a pre-owned luxury car can make for a solid option, especially if you’re on a budget.
Doing Car Buying Right
Of course, the best way to get a deal is to come prepared and ready to engage in the car buying process. Cars aren’t cheap, no matter what make or model you decide to drive home. However, you can lessen the cost of a vehicle – and your stress in paying it off – by taking a practical approach. For one, before you sign on a vehicle, be sure to double or even triple check your budget to make sure you can afford the monthly payments. The last thing you want is to find yourself in an auto loan you can’t comfortably pay off. Secondly, make sure you put aside a nice chunk of money for the down payment. Even if you’re buying a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle, a solid down payment is essential. Not only will it help you get a better deal on your auto loan, but it can also dramatically lower the overall costs of the vehicle. How much should your down payment be? While any good dealer might tell you to put down as much as you can afford, many sales experts realistically suggest about 20% of the value of the vehicle.
Buying a luxury car, whether new or used, can be a thrilling experience. Sure, the cost can seem high at first, but the reward is certainly worth it once you roll on out of the dealership in your impressive luxury vehicle.
