Updated: December 18, 2025
Buying a car is an experience you will most likely repeat several times during your life. While it can be a fun time, it can also be overwhelming if you don't know what you want or how much you can comfortably afford. To avoid car buyer's remorse, let us help you get organized for your car buying experience.
The first thing you'll want to do is your homework. There's a lot of information available online and on mobile apps, and both new and seasoned car buyers can benefit from all the information. Use that information to get prepared and know what you want before going to the dealership. If it helps you, make a list of the features you want, what you can do without, and what features are a must-have.
Also, if you have a vehicle to trade in, take time to research its value. “You can use resources such as Kelley Blue Book, Cars.com, and TrueCar.com to estimate how much your trade-in is worth, factoring in its age, condition, and mileage,” said Tracy, our Director of Lending.
Next, if you plan to finance your car, you'll want to get pre-approved by your financial institution. It's always a good idea to have your financing lined up before you visit a dealership because it puts you in a better position to control your negotiating power. Salespeople are eager to sell you a car. Don't let the salesperson know right away if you are planning on trading in your vehicle. It's to your advantage to wait until you are satisfied with the price you'll be paying for your new car, then you can ask for a fair price on the trade-in.
Make sure you know the terms of your loan and how much you can afford. "When considering your loan term, you'll want to know how much you can comfortably afford with your monthly payments and the length of your loan term. With a longer-term, your monthly payments could be lower compared to a shorter loan term. However, having a shorter loan term, allows you to pay your car off early and you could possibly save on the total amount of interest you'll pay over the life of the loan," said Tracy.
Next, visit a dealership and take a test drive to ensure the vehicle feels right for you. From the moment you open the driver’s door, start paying attention to your experience. Is it easy to get in and out of the car? How does the steering wheel feel in your hands, and do you enjoy the way it drives? Consider whether the size and style fit your needs and lifestyle. Think about how you will use the car—for example, if you use a car seat, make sure it fits securely in the back. Also, take into account factors such as fuel efficiency and expected maintenance costs. After your test drive, decide which make and model best meets your needs.
If you can get a couple of quotes before you buy, it may help you get an idea of the right price for the vehicle. Don't be afraid to let dealers know you are working with another dealer, as this may help you get a better price. Don't feel pressured to make a decision right away. If you don't feel good about something, take the time to think more about the decision before making an offer. "When you're ready to seal the deal, we can help make the car buying process simple and easy. You can apply online, or if you prefer, you can visit any of our locations," said Tracy.
Buying a car doesn’t have to be overwhelming and stressful. With research and thoughtful planning, you can make car buying a breeze. If you want to learn more about financing a car, check out our blog, "Ask the Expert: Common Questions about Car Financing."
Meet Tracy, our Director of Lending. Tracy has been with AllSouth for over 15 years. He leads a high-performing team of local loan officers to deliver personalized service and lending options to help our members achieve their goals.