Complete Guide to Buying a Car in America | Is BMW a Luxury Car? | Top 3 American Car Brands? | What Car Band is Made in the USA?
Complete Guide to Buying a Car in America
1. Decide first – New car or used car?
Before buying a car, it is most important to decide whether you want a new car or a second hand (used car). Both have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of a new car:
Comes with manufacturer warranty
New technology and fuel efficiency
No wear & tear
Disadvantages of a new car:
Higher price
There is a lot of depreciation in the first few years
Advantages of a used car:
It is available at a lower price
Less depreciation
Disadvantages of a used car:
The warranty has expired
More repairs may be required
2. Car options as per budget
A. Budget less than $10,000 – Used Cars
Good used cars can be found in this budget. Some good options:
Toyota Corolla (2010-2013)
Honda Civic (2010-2014)
Ford Focus
Hyundai Elantra
Mazda3
B. $10,000 – $25,000 budget – new and lightly used cars
With this, you can buy some new or Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) cars:
Honda Civic
Toyota Corolla
Kia Forte
Hyundai Sonata
Mazda CX-5 (compact SUV)
C. $25,000 – $40,000 budget – new cars and SUVS
With this, you can buy a brand new, mid-range car or SUV:
Toyota RAV4
Honda CR-V
Subaru Outback
Hyundai Tucson
Tesla Model 3 (base version)
D. Above $40,000 – Luxury and Electric Cars
If you have a higher budget, you can choose luxury brands:
BMW 3 Series
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Audi Q5
Tesla Model Y
Lexus RX
3. Things to consider while buying a car
A. Car History Report (for Used Cars)
Check the history of the car from websites like CARFAX or AutoCheck.
B. Mileage (for Used Cars)
An average of 12,000-15,000 miles in a year is considered normal.
C. Inspection
Before buying any old car, get it inspected by a certified mechanic.
D. Insurance Cost
Be sure to estimate the insurance before buying a car – it is expensive in sports cars and luxury cars.
E. Loan and Financing
If the credit score is good, you can get an auto loan at 0% or low interest rate.
Take pre-approval so that bargaining at the dealership is easy.
F. Warranty and Return Policy
A new car comes with a manufacturer's warranty.
Some dealerships also offer a 7-day return policy.
4. Also pay attention to Fuel Efficiency and Maintenance Cost
Fuel Efficiency:
If you drive a lot on a daily basis, then buy a fuel efficient car like Honda Civic, Toyota Prius or Hybrid/Electric car.
Maintenance Cost:
Cars of companies like Toyota, Honda have low maintenance.
Cars like BMW, Mercedes look great but their repairs and parts are expensive.
5. Consider an Electric Car (EV)?
Now the trend of EVs is increasing rapidly in America. If you care about the environment and want to save money on fuel, an EV can be a good option.
Best EV Options:
Tesla Model 3 / Model Y
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Kia EV6
Chevrolet Bolt EUV
Ford Mustang Mach-E
You can also get a tax credit from the government (sometimes up to $7,500).
6. Car Buying Options (Where to buy?)
Dealerships (both new and used): Certified options available
Private Sellers: Cheaper cars, but more risk
Online Platforms: Carvana, Vroom, Autotrader, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace
7. Test Drive and Negotiation
Always test drive.
Negotiate – especially in used cars and dealership deals.
Beware of hidden charges – like documentation fees, add-ons, etc.
Conclusion:
Buying a car in the US is a big decision. The right budget, the right research and choosing the right car as per your needs can make your experience a pleasant one. If you are buying a car for the first time, it is advisable to buy a fuel-efficient car from a trusted brand and avoid flashy cars that require high maintenance.
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