How to buy a car: Tips and precautions for making a good deal

If you don't know how to buy a car, but you're very close to achieving your goal, be sure to read what we've prepared for you.

How to buy a car?

Buying a car is a big dream for many people, especially if it's their first car.

However, if there is no financial planning and great care, this dream can become a nightmare.

But don't worry, we're here to help you with this mission with our valuable tips.

So pay attention to the first steps we will list for you to choose and buy a car.

Define your needs

Before choosing your car, evaluate your needs, such as the number of passengers, type of use, road conditions, and, of course, your personal preferences.

Search for models and brands

After evaluating your preferences and needs, start researching the brands and models that will suit them.

Therefore, consult websites, look for reviews, observe features, maintenance costs, and especially the brand's reputation and reliability.

Set your budget

Set a purchase price for your car, but consider all ongoing expenses such as fuel, insurance, maintenance, and taxes.

Take a test drive

When you're interested in a car, schedule test drives and evaluate all the criteria you consider important when purchasing a car.

Check the origin before buying a car

Now that you've found the car, before buying it, it's a good idea to check its origin, request the maintenance history, and assess whether there are any significant problems.

Negotiate the price

Okay! Now that you've made sure everything is in order, negotiate the price before buying the car.

For this, it is important that you are aware of all the market values related to the car you have chosen, you can consult the Fipe table to access these values.

Take future resale into consideration

It may seem strange to think about selling something you're still considering buying, but when it comes to cars, it's very important.

Since models with a good reputation in the market and lower depreciation tend to maintain a higher resale value.

Therefore, be sure to think long term.

Consider all payment options

If you can't buy a car outright, research different installment options and compare rates, terms, and conditions offered by finance companies.

How to buy a financed car?

Now that you've researched, analyzed, and chosen your car, the most important moment has arrived: the payment method.

We know that buying a car outright would be the best option of all, however, we also know that this is not a viable option for everyone.

Therefore, we have prepared some options that can help you in this step of buying a car.

Financing without down payment

All financing without down payment, is nothing more than a line of credit offered by the financial institution.

Therefore, it works like a common financing, but with some differences, such as interest rates.

Therefore, to access this type of financing, you will need to have CDC – Direct Consumer Credit.

The CDC is nothing more than the full amount released by the finance company so you can buy a car outright.

Then, the financial institution will receive the amount plus interest, meaning the CDC ends up functioning as a loan.

This way, you have the possibility of buying a car without a down payment at the dealership or directly from the owner.

But in this case, after the purchase is completed, the car is transferred to your name, but is transferred to the bank as collateral.

Leasing

Leasing is also a good option for you to buy a car.

However, with this option, the vehicle remains in the name of the finance company until you finish paying the full installment amount.

This option of paying in installments to buy a car is like a “rental”, as the car will only be yours after you pay off the financing.

Another disadvantage of leasing is that if you are unable to pay the installments, you become delinquent, the bank can repossess your car and you still lose what you paid for it.

That's why this installment option for buying a car is ideal if you have good financial discipline.

Consortium

Another installment option for buying a car is a consortium, however, if you need to have the vehicle in your hands immediately, this is not the best option.

Since the consortium works like a “draw”, that is, in order to buy a car you need to be selected.

In practice, it works like this: you and other people pay a monthly amount to a type of investment fund.

But during the payment period people can bid and one or more people will be awarded.

And this process is repeated every month until everyone is included.

What documentation is required to buy a car?

Whether through financing or cash, the car's documents will be necessary to complete the entire process of transferring the car to you.

Therefore, we will list the basic documentation required for the entire process when buying a car:

Personal identification document (RG, CNH or Passport);
CPF – Individual Taxpayer Registry;
Proof of residence;
Proof of income (in case of purchasing a financed car);
Updated CRLV (Vehicle Registration and Licensing Certificate);
CRV (Vehicle Registration Certificate), completed and signed by the car owner;
Receipt of payment of the Motor Vehicle Property Tax (IPVA) for the current year;
Proof of payment of DPVAT Insurance;
Proof of payment of any outstanding fines and debts the car may have;
In the case of purchasing a car through financing, documentation confirming payment of the debt;
Vehicle inspection report (some regions will require an inspection to purchase a car).

However, it is important to remember that the required documentation may vary depending on the region and local DETRAN policies.

Therefore, check all required documents before purchasing the car.

So now that you've decided everything and have your car in hand, we'll give you some tips on how to maintain your car.

This will help you decrease the depreciation of the vehicle and will avoid headaches in the future.

How to maintain maintenance after purchasing a car?

Some basic care is important to keep your car in good working order and even avoid excessive expenses.

Perform periodic checkups, such as oil, filter, spark plug, belt, fluid changes, among others;
Check fluid levels regularly, maintain the levels of oil, radiator water, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid, among others;
Always pay attention to the useful life of your tires, keep them properly inflated and rotate them as recommended by the manufacturer;
Always check the brake pads, pay attention to any unusual noises in your car and if in doubt, take the car to the mechanic for an inspection;
Cleaning and maintenance, keeping the car clean both inside and out, prevents wear and tear on the vehicle;
Check lights and internal systems during use, pay attention to headlights, taillights, brake lights and hazard lights and if you identify any irregularities, resolve them as quickly as possible to ensure your safety;
Drive carefully, defensively and consciously. This will help your car run smoothly and reduce engine wear;
Be alert to the slightest signs of problems, that is, always be aware of any sign that may indicate some irregularity in the car's operation, as in addition to wear and tear, it can cause accidents.
Get insurance as soon as you buy a car, this will protect your vehicle and give you peace of mind;
Drive appropriately in different conditions;
Before leaving, especially for a trip, check all the car's safety equipment, such as a triangle, jack, wheel wrench, among others;
Always pay attention to your car's documentation, deadlines, and up-to-date payments to avoid fines and inconvenience.

Conclusion

Buying a car is a very important decision and requires a lot of planning and organization.

That's why it's important that when you start the process, you follow all our tips, this way you'll make a good deal.

So, analyze the possibilities, compare prices and make a complete plan to buy a car.

So, take advantage of our tips and go after your dream of buying a new car!

News

Given that

May 20, 2023