By @Car.Talk.Utah, November 17, 2025

Buying a new car? Yes? Congrats! This is a time when you are equal parts exciting and terrifying. For one minute, all you think about is that new car smell when you complete your new car purchase, and the next minute, you’re drowning in spreadsheets comparing interest rates, prices, and types of cars that fit your needs and budget. We will help you make the best decision without all the unnecessary jargon that comes with buying a car in this car-buying process.

Step 1: Figure Out What Kind of Shopper You Are

Here’s something most car-buying processes won’t tell you: you need to know yourself before you can pick the right car. Seriously.

Are you the person who reads every review, watches every YouTube comparison video, and creates color-coded spreadsheets? That’s totally valid. That was me when I bought my car. Or maybe you’re someone who sees a good deal and pulls the trigger without knowing much about the car you selected. Also valid! Some of us test-drive something and just know it’s the one, even if it doesn’t check every box.

None of these approaches is wrong, but understanding which one is yours will save you from buyer’s remorse later. It will also help you figure out if you should be shopping online from your couch or hitting up dealerships in person. I personally love the convenience of online shopping; comparing prices, it sure beats awkward dealership small talk any day. But if you’re someone who needs to touch, feel, and sit in a car before committing, don’t force yourself into an online purchase just because it’s trendy.

And look, we all know cars can be emotional purchases. That sunset orange paint job might speak to your soul, but if it speaks louder than your budget, you’re setting yourself up for stress. The sweet spot? When your heart and your wallet are on the same page.

Step 2: Get Real About What You Can Actually Afford

Okay, here is something that meets reality in the car-buying process, where dreams meet reality, and it’s the most important step. I don’t care how gorgeous that loaded SUV looks—if the payments are going to make you eat ramen for the next five years, it’s not the right car.

Most financial experts (and yeah, places like Kelley Blue Book back this up) say your car payment shouldn’t eat up more than 15% of your take-home pay. Want to play it safer? Aim for 10%. I know that might sound restrictive, but trust me, future you will be grateful when you’re not stressed about money every month.

And here’s the thing people always forget: the sticker price is just the beginning. There’s sales tax, registration fees, insurance (which can be wildly different depending on the car), gas, maintenance, and if you’re financing, interest piling on top of everything. Use one of those affordability calculators on Edmunds or Kelley Blue Book, plug in your actual numbers, and see what shakes out. It’s eye-opening, seeing what you can afford.

Step 3: Do Your Homework

Let’s be honest, research isn’t the fun part, is it ever? This is the step in the car-buying process that many people dread to do. But it’s the part that stops you from buying a lemon or overpaying by thousands of dollars, and knowing if you are on budget before getting to the dealership.

Once you know your budget, start narrowing down which makes and models actually fit. What matters to you? Reliability? Safety ratings? Gas mileage? 2 Wheel Drive or All Wheel Drive? Resale value down the road? All of the above? Sites like Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and U.S. News have solid reviews and comparison tools that cut through the marketing fluff. I would see what they say about a specific car while doing your research. If something’s not right, they will tell you. 

Don’t just look at the price tag today—think about what this car will cost you over time. Some cars are cheap to buy but expensive to own. Maybe parts are pricey, or it guzzles gas, or it depreciates faster than ice cream melts in July. A little digging now saves big headaches later.

Going to other websites like cars.com and http://caranddriver.com is a great way to find out experts’ opinions about specific cars that you are interested in, while also comparing different cars you are interested in purchasing.

Step 4: Find The Right Time for the Best Deal

Want to know a secret? When you buy can be just as important as what you buy.

Dealerships have quotas to hit; it’s no secret, which means end-of-month and end-of-quarter are perfect negotiating times. They’re motivated to move cars. The same goes for end-of-model-year sales when they need to clear out inventory for next year’s models. And those big holiday weekends like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday? Those sales events aren’t just hype. Real deals happen during these times.

Now, let’s talk pricing language. MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) is what they want you to pay. The invoice price is what the dealer paid. Neither of these is what you should focus on. What you need is the “out-the-door” price and the total after taxes, fees, dealer add-ons, everything. That’s your real number.

Pro tip: Get quotes from multiple dealers and make them compete. And please, don’t be afraid to walk away. I’ve seen people save thousands just by being willing to say “thanks, but I’ll keep looking.” Half the time, the dealer calls back with a better offer. Also, make sure when you mention a lower price have the research to back those numbers, other than you wanting a lower price.

Step 5: Sort Out the Money Stuff

In the thick of the car-buying process, financing is where a lot of people either save a bundle or throw money away without realizing it. Don’t just take whatever the dealer offers because it’s convenient.

Check with your bank or credit union first; they often have better rates. Online lenders can pre-approve you fast, so you walk in knowing exactly what you can afford. Sometimes dealers have special promotions that are competitive, but you won’t know if it’s a good deal unless you’ve done your homework. 

Before you apply anywhere, check your credit score. Better credit = better rates = lower payments. It’s that simple. If your score needs work, it might be worth waiting a few months to improve it before buying.

As for extended warranties, they’re a mixed bag. Some provide real peace of mind, others are overpriced and unnecessary. Read the fine print before accepting a dealer’s extended warranty.

And insurance! Get quotes before you buy. I’ve seen people shocked when their insurance doubled because they picked a car that’s expensive to insure. Don’t be that person.

Step 6: What to Do With Your Current Car

Not something often considered within the car-buying process is what to do with the car you currently have. If you’re already driving something, you’ve got options. Trading it in is easy, and the dealer handles everything, and you drive away in your new car the same day. But easy comes at a price. You’ll almost always get less than if you sold it yourself; dealerships have to make some sort of profit from your trade-in. So don’t be shocked if they lowball you. 

Selling privately takes more effort. You’ve got to clean it up, list it, meet with strangers, and handle paperwork. But you’ll probably walk away with more cash. Is the extra money worth the hassle? That’s your call.

Either way, do yourself a favor: clean that car inside and out, fix the little stuff (burnt-out taillight, weird rattle), and gather your maintenance records. Buyers pay more for cars that look cared for. And before you price it, check Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds to see what it’s actually worth. Again, just like buying a car and wanting a deal on it, don’t guess; have some researched numbers that will back up your claim.

Step 7: New, Used, CPO, Lease—What’s Your Move?

So many options, right? Here’s the breakdown between all of them:

New cars get you the latest tech, a full warranty, and that intoxicating new car smell. But you pay a premium, and the value drops the second you drive it off the lot.

Used cars are cheaper upfront, but you might spend more on repairs, and you’re taking more of a gamble on reliability.

Certified pre-owned (CPO) splits the difference—inspected, warrantied, and cheaper than new. It’s a solid middle ground.

Then there’s buying versus leasing. Buying means it’s yours—do what you want with it, keep it as long as you want, sell it when you’re ready. Leasing means lower payments but mileage limits, wear-and-tear fees, and nothing to show for it when the lease ends. If you like driving something new every few years and don’t drive much, leasing works. If you want to own it and drive it into the ground, buy.

Where you buy matters too. Traditional dealerships, online platforms like CarMax or Carvana, and private sellers all have pros and cons. Pick what matches your comfort level and timeline.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This

Look, buying a car doesn’t have to feel like defusing a bomb. When you know your budget, do your research, and take your time, you’re in the driver’s seat. The best car isn’t the flashiest one or the one the salesperson pushes hardest; it’s the one that fits your life, your budget, and your needs.

So take a breath, trust the car-buying process, and go into this thing prepared. Because when you buy smart instead of impulsively, you’re not just getting transportation, you’re getting years of reliable, stress-free driving.

Remember, the conversation doesn’t have to end here. Check @car.talk.utah on Facebook and Instagram to connect with others with the same interests.