How to Get a Car Fast?

21 Dec How to Get a Car Fast?

After active duty, the transition to civilian life can be challenging. Not only will you have to adjust to a new lifestyle, but you may also face new financial challenges. With at least one major purchase—a car—you might be able to get some assistance.

After dreaming of a new car for a few months, you’re probably looking at models, comparing prices, and seeing what options you can afford.

Everyone’s experience is different, whether it’s their first time buying or exchanging for a newer model. Keep on reading to know more! We’ve broken down how to get a car fast into simple steps to assist you in successfully navigating the route to car ownership.

How to Get a Car Fast: Prepare to Buy a Car

The standards for purchasing an automobile remain the same even when the market is tight due to a pandemic. You want a car that fits your needs, lifestyle, and budget. You should never buy or lease a car just based on the monthly payment, and no car deal is worthwhile unless it’s on a good car.

Gather Documents

An automobile purchase is a complex process. By being prepared with all necessary documentation and payment information, you can spend less time at the dealership or with a seller. The following is a list of items you will need to bring:

• Your driver’s license
• Proof of automobile insurance
• Your method of payment (e.g., loan, check, cash)

Bring the following items if you’re financing via the dealership:

• A credit history report
• Evidence of employment (e.g., recent pay stubs)
• A list of any rebates or discounts you may be eligible for (e.g., deals from the manufacturer or your credit card company)
• List of references (for those with lower credit scores)
• If you’re trading in, you’ll need the vehicle’s title or loan documentation, as well as extra keys.

Check Credit Score

Your credit history is one of the critical criteria lenders consider. The better your credit score, the lower your interest rate. Review your credit report before moving forward with the car-buying process to ensure that the information on it is accurate so that you can get the best loan rate available. You can obtain a free credit report by visiting annualcreditreport.com.

Consider waiting until your credit score allows you to obtain suitable financing arrangements if you need to build your credit.

Get Car Loan Pre-Approval

Pre-approval your auto loan from some of the best auto loan companies is the fastest and most efficient way to start. Therefore, you can decide what you can afford and compare that with dealer financing to see which offers the lowest APR.

You can find a loan application on the mobile websites of your bank, credit union, or other lenders. It’s a good idea to conduct your study to determine which lender is the best fit for you.

When you present the necessary papers, the dealership only needs to contact the bank to verify your affordability.

Related Article: The Absolute Guide to Auto Loans for Veterans

Have Car Insurance Proof

Insurance proof includes the card, printout, or digital document verifying the existence and status of a current insurance policy.

State-specific factors, however, must be considered. Although most states do not require insurance before registering your vehicle, you may need it before you start driving. For information about the procedure, contact your state’s DMV.

How to Get a Car Fast: Research Cars in Advance

The process of finding a great price for a car is intimidating but not impossible. Doing a bit of extra research and due diligence in advance can help.

New Car

When you purchase a new car, you have the freedom to customize it to your liking. You may relax knowing that the vehicle has never been driven before and is covered by a new car warranty.

Pros

• The latest safety, navigation, and fuel-efficiency technologies
• Benefits of warranty
• Mobile connectivity
• Updated color and designs preferences

Cons

• A more expensive option
• Its value depreciates over time
• Faults that may affect performance or design

Used Car

Purchasing a used car is less expensive and will depreciate less quickly than buying a new car. The disadvantage is that used vehicles are untested and require more frequent maintenance and repairs.

Pros

• Savings on upfront costs
• Depreciation losses are less
• The car-buying process is easier

Cons

• The possibility of costly maintenance or repairs
• Technology might have become outdated
• Fuel efficiency is lower

More: List Of All The Things You Need To Do To Buy A Car

Streamline the Process for Buying a Car Fast

Pay Cash

How you choose to pay for a new car is up to you, but if you can, pay cash. As a result, you can save quite a bit of money, which would otherwise be spent on interest.

However, this isn’t always the case. Financing or leasing can be helpful if it allows you to retain funds invested and achieve a better rate of return. Customers may also be eligible for cash reductions from select dealerships.

Don’t Purchase Add-Ons at the Dealership

Paying off a brand-new vehicle is a significant investment, and you may have to do so for several years. If you finance the car, the total cost of extras will increase, so keep them to a minimum. It isn’t necessary to have heated seats, and portable GPS navigation units are available online for less than the price of built-in systems.

Despite what the salesperson may say, rust-proofing is another add-on you don’t need. You don’t require VIN etching, a back camera, or a dealership maintenance contract.

Go to a No-Haggle Car Dealership

When you buy a car with no haggling, you know exactly how much it will cost. Many dealerships will post these rates on their websites, ensuring no surprises when it comes time to pay.

You’ll spend less time negotiating over the price, allowing you to focus on finishing the paperwork and getting out the door faster.

Related Article: Disabled Veterans and Car Loans: What You Need to Know

Ways to Save Money on a Fast Car Purchase

Military Car Loans

You’ll need to budget for more than just the car. The expense of auto insurance can soon go up. You might be eligible for discounts if you’re a service member.

Active-duty military personnel often receive discounts from insurance firms. USAA and Geico are two companies that cater to military families.

Get Military Discounts

Veterans may receive military discounts and rebates from some car dealers and manufacturers.

**The list above is just a selection of car manufacturers who offer a veteran discount. Be sure to inquire about similar deals from your preferred brand.**

Low Down Payment Loans

Choose a budget and compare a few different makes and models to see the feasibility. Calculate your down payment once you’ve determined the price range for a car you can afford. Aim for a 20% down payment on a new vehicle and a 10% down payment on a used vehicle.

Also Read: How to Find Hassle-Free Auto Loans

Previous Year Car

You’ll save money on a new car if you buy in the fall, from August to October, when the following year’s models have arrived, and the ‘old’ ones are still functional but taking up space on the lot. Are you unable to wait until the end of the year? Wait until the end of the month, when dealerships are scrambling to meet their targets.

Trade-in Your Old Car 

Trading in your automobile to help fund your next car purchase is a common way to reduce the total amount you’ll owe on your new car.

It would help if you examined what several dealers will offer you for the car to get the best deal. Check out sources like Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book to evaluate if your trade-in offer is acceptable. Ensure you do not have negative equity before you trade your current vehicle.

Check out our Veteran Auto Loan Calculator to see how many cars you can afford!

How to Pick the Right Car for You

Start investigating the automobiles that have caught your eye after you’ve set your budget and decided the best sort of ownership for your driving habits.

First, examine the crucial characteristics by visiting carmaker websites and independent auto information sites. Note the MSRPs (manufacturer’s suggested retail prices) and invoice prices. Once you’ve established a budget, it’s time to shop for a new car.

• Start by browsing the internet to find an automobile that fits your specifications. Then explore what’s available in your area by looking at local inventory listings.
• Be realistic about the price of your dream car, and compare models to discover the best fit for your lifestyle.
• Discover the benefits and drawbacks of buying a larger vehicle vs. a smaller sedan.
• Be sure to factor in the cost of gasoline when selecting your finalist car models.

How to Get a Car Fast In a Nutshell

Even if you are well-prepared, buying a car might be difficult. The greatest thing you can do is empower yourself with knowledge, know which vehicle you want, understand the average prices for your preferred car, and approach the encounter with an open mind.