Jul 24, 2018

How often do you buy a new car? If you’re like most East Texans, you go a while in between vehicle purchases. Here at Velocity Mazda, we help people through the process every day, and there are some car buying questions we hear pretty frequently. We’ve listed them here along with their answers.

Is it better to trade my car or sell it myself?

If you can sell your car to an individual, you may get more for it. Trading in your old car is easier, and Velocity Mazda works to give you top dollar for your trade.

When is the best time to buy a new car?

At the end of the month many dealerships are more motivated to meet sales goals. If a new year model is about to be released for the car you want, you can probably get a lower price on current year inventory.

Can I buy a new car with bad credit?

At Velocity Mazda, we can help you even if you’re new to the United States, have been turned down for a car loan or have poor credit. Fill out our free online application and we’ll tailor a loan package just for you.

Which is better – dealer financing or outside lenders?

Our dealership frequently offers special financing and lower than average interest rates. However, everyone’s financial situation is different. We always encourage car buyers to shop around find the best loan option for their purchase.

How much should I spend every month on a car payment?

Calculate all your basic living expenses (rent or mortgage payment, car insurance, groceries, utilities etc.) and see how much you have left over. A comfortable car payment will be up to 20 percent of that amount.

Should I buy an extended car warranty?

If you normally carry enough of a savings balance to cover the cost of repairs, you might not need it. However, many people prefer the peace of mind and hassle-free repairs that little bit extra provides. For a longer discussion on extended warranties see this article.

Is the price on cars negotiable?

Yes. While Velocity Mazda, like all dealerships, won’t typically go below what we paid for the car, we want to do whatever we can to help you afford the car you really want.

For how long should I finance my car?

Shorter terms are better on almost every loan, whether it’s for a vehicle, home or household appliance. Edmunds recommends keeping your car loan to 60 months or less.