As the model year comes to a close, plenty of great deals are available on dealer lots—especially for long-in-the-tooth vehicles for buyers who don’t need the latest, greatest technology. That said, there are still a number of pitfalls to watch out for at the dealership. Here’s how to avoid getting the same old runaround on a new vehicle.
Do Your Research
Free information has never been more readily available for car shoppers (ahem, MotorTrend.com), and although it might all be overwhelming, you owe it to yourself to put in the work before you set foot on the dealer lot. The automobile is, after all, the second-largest purchase for most Americans, after their home.
You should know which trim and options you want on your dream car before you even contact a dealer. Playing with an automaker’s configuration tools (aka “build your own”) online can help you learn which trim has the features you want and what might be available in a local dealer’s inventory. Knowing the right trim level, packages, and options will give you a good sense of how much your vehicle will cost—and if it’s even available.
If you have Maserati taste but a Mazda budget, consider leasing. You can have a brand-new car with the latest features every two or three years, and it’ll cost much less than purchasing. You’ll pay practically zero interest, and you won’t have to worry about the 45 to 60 percent depreciation you’d typically see after three years. Plus, if you’re fickle, you won’t have to deal with a trade-in (or, worse, selling to strangers on Craigslist) when you get bored of your wheels in a few years.
This story is from the October 2019 edition of Motor Trend.
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This story is from the October 2019 edition of Motor Trend.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MOTORTREND SUV OF THE YEAR 2024 - CERTIFIED FRESH
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THE CHEVROLET BLAZER EV IS THE 2024 SUV OF THE YEAR
Once again, the bow-tie brand shows leadership in the electric vehicle space
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WE DID IT AGAIN: RUNNING OUR VW ID4 EV OUT OF ELECTRICITY, JUST TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS
THEY LISTENED
THE NEW TESLA MODEL 3 HIGHLAND FIXES NEARLY EVERYTHING WE HATED ABOUT THE OLD CAR
2023 Lexus RZ
Lexus says it will make only battery-powered vehicles by 2035, and the new RZ 450e is the brand’s first dedicated EV. This midsize crossover indicates Lexus’ future lineup will have luxurious appeal, but we find this first effort lacking in crucial areas.
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The Defender 130 is a tricky one to judge. On one hand, it potentially improves upon a design and package we previously lauded enough to crown as our 2021 SUV of the Year in the form of the standard Defender 110. The 130 is more than a foot longer than the 110 and has more room for people and stuff, stretching the existing design into a new body style. (The 130’s wheelbase remains unchanged.)
2024 Kia Seltos
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2023 Jeep Compass
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2024 Hyundai Kona
The Kona enters its second generation for 2024 with a new design language. It’s larger than the outgoing Kona, too, and its uncommonly ornate (for this class) and unmistakable design is something we’re already seeing in other upcoming Hyundai products. Having really liked the previous Kona, would our judges warm to this one?
2023 Ford Escape
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