Appointments  |  Rates  |  Locations  |  Chat  |  JOIN NOW

Considering a Car Purchase?

Purchasing a car can be complicated, and perhaps an even more difficult decision to manage during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the ongoing economic challenges, consumers appear more eager than usual to make a vehicle purchase.

As people have shifted their lives to a more virtual environment, consumers continue to shop for cars online. According to a recent Cars.com survey, which polled around 3,000 respondents earlier this year, 48% of consumers said they’re interested in handling price negotiations online, while 42% said they also want to secure financing online.

According to the same survey, 20% of respondents have surprisingly considered buying a new car because of the pandemic’s economic impact. Additionally, one in three consumers report moving faster to purchase a vehicle than they would under normal conditions. This trend is likely due to a significant decrease in ride-sharing and public transportation use during the pandemic. In fact, the Cars.com survey found 40% of respondents are using ride-sharing services less often since the COVID-19 outbreak, with 93% of those people claiming they now rely on their own vehicle more often.

Although the 2020 landscape of car purchasing is different, some aspects of the process remain the same. It is crucial for consumers to research, comparison shop, test drive, and thoroughly inspect all prospective vehicles before finalizing a purchase. Knowledge of a responsible budget is a crucial part of the car-buying process.

Tips for Purchasing a New Car in 2020

With so many options, purchasing a new car can feel a bit overwhelming. What kind of car do you want or need? Which cars work with your budget? How can you find the best deals? Follow the tips below from Kelley Blue Book for an ultra-smooth car-buying process and reach out to your local credit union for additional assistance:

  • Know your shopping style – When you shop for a car, do you focus on value, method or safety? Evaluate what’s most important to you in order to get the most out of your car-buying experience, as well as to avoid buyer’s remorse.
  • Narrow it down – With so many different cars on the market these days, narrowing your preference can seem daunting. To get started, think of what works best for your lifestyle. Do you need something family friendly or something more suitable for your job? Asking yourself lifestyle questions like these can help cut down your available choices.
  • Figure out what you can realistically afford – Try to avoid overspending on a new car. By factoring in all the financial considerations, including auto insurance, you’ll be able to calculate what you can truly afford. You may want to use one of the many online tools to help you come up with a realistic figure you feel comfortable spending, like this one from Nerd Wallet. As the time to pay comes nearer, don’t be afraid to negotiate for a price that works best for you.
  • Research new cars online – You may find it helpful to read consumer reviews and safety specs online before purchasing a new car. Expert opinions should also be considered before buying.
  • Shop financing, warranties and insurance – Although self-explanatory, it is always best to shop around interest and insurance rates, as well as the best extended warranties for your new vehicle.
  • Choose the best buying option – Whether shopping in person or online, be sure to choose from several different options, such as direct buying sites, dealer-referral buying sites, and manufacturer’s sites.
  • It’s all about the test drive – It’s always a best practice to drive a car before it is purchased. Take time to check out every inch of the car. Pay attention to how it drives, the way it sounds and feels, and how it responds when you brake and accelerate.
Checking Accounts

Premium Perks

Freedom Checking

CashBack Checking

Direct Deposit

More

Savings Accounts

Savings Accounts

Super Saver

Money Market

h

Certificates

HSA

Cards

Debit Card

Low Rate Credit Card

Rewards Credit Card

CU Rewards

Card Controls

Tools

Mobile Deposit

Online Banking

Pay Someone

eAlerts

Compare Rates

Vehicle Loans

Auto Loans

Refinance Your Car

Motorcycle & Jet Ski Loans

Boat & RV Loans

Mortgage & Home Loans

Mortgages

Refinance Your House

Home Equity Loans

Construction Loans

Personal

Personal Loans

,

StretchPay Loans

Student Loans

Credit Cards

Tools

Apply for a Loan

Pay a Loan

Online Bill Pay

Chat With Us

Financial Planning

Investments

i

Estate Planning

401(k) Rollover

Retirement Planning

Day Air Insurance

Auto Insurance

Home Insurance

Identity Theft Protection

Life Insurance

More Products & Services

RetireMed

Financial Counseling

Credit Reports

Reorder Checks

More

Online Banking

Online Banking

Online Bill Pay

Login to Online Banking

Mobile Banking

Mobile Banking

Mobile Deposit

Pay Someone

Text Banking

Tools

Apply for a Loan

Pay a Loan

eAlerts

Mobile Pay

Chat With Us

Accounts

Business Checking

Business Savings

Business Certificates

Cards

Business Debit Card

Business Credit Card

Loans

Commercial Loans

Term Loans

PPP Loans

Line of Credit

Services

Business Bill Pay

Tools

Online Business Banking

Login to Business Banking

Login to PIB MLO

Business Banking App

Join Day Air

Why Choose Day Air

Membership Eligibility

Annual Member Savings

Compare Rates

Join Day Air

Community

Community Involvement

Financial Education

Dayton VA Medical Center

Dayton Dragons

Contests & Sweepstakes

About

Press & News

Newsletters & Reports

Videos

Careers

Helpful Resources