How to buy a luxury car can be intimidating if you’re not sure where to begin. There are so many options! How in the world will you know which is the best car? There is only one way to find out: Get a loan and start shopping.
Affordability – You can expect to pay more than a base luxury car for a base model in most cases. Use an online payment calculator to determine how much luxury car you could afford to finance. If you’re financing a brand new sedan, expect to dish out at least a 20% down payment, plus the full monthly loan balance over the duration of 24, forty, sixty or 72 month duration.
Looks & Style – While many luxury models are all about the inside, there are many luxury vehicles that are about as far from bland as possible. Take a look at the exterior features and trimmings. Does the car have leather upholstery? If so, you’re looking at a very valuable addition to your collection. Leather upholstery on a luxury vehicle adds a touch of uniqueness and quality to an already remarkable vehicle.
Audio Quality – The type of speakers and sound system in a luxury car can be just as important to the overall enjoyment of driving as the cabin’s layout. Many luxury cars now come standard with A/C as well as DVD player compatibility. There is no better place to hear yourself on the road than beside your best friend’s face. That is, unless you’re stuck with an inferior cabin.
Engine Options & Performance – Luxury cars come standard with many different engine types including gasoline and diesel. Look for a base-priced car with a gasoline or diesel engine and a base-priced, direct-injected, direct-valve-fire engine that comes with an automatic climate control. For more power, check out the high-performance engines available from many different manufacturers such as Honda, Mercedes Benz, and BMW. Depending on what type of fuel you will be using in your area, the size of the gas tank may vary as well. Check the size of the tires on your current vehicle as well. Check the specs for available engines and choose an engine that will give you the best performance.
Safety Features – When it comes to selecting the right features for your luxury vehicle, safety is of utmost importance. Steering and braking mechanisms need to be as ergonomically friendly as possible. Check for the interior and exterior features listed under Driver Safety and Security. It would be a good idea to find a used luxury car that comes standard with an airbag, a seatbelt, and anti-lock brakes. These features should be used in conjunction with a full front side airbag, a driver’s knee airbag, and front and rear side curtain airbags as well.
Audio System – The best used luxury cars are those that come standard with a top-of-the-line audio system. For most people, upgrading their system could result in increased comfort, as well as increased sound clarity. Look for a system that comes standard with a CD changer, satellite radio, and dual zone audio. If you have been enjoying your current audio system, it might make sense to upgrade to a new system with superior quality components.
Performance – Even though the price for luxury vehicles has decreased over the years, there are still several luxury car brands that offer powerful engines. Mercedes-Benz, for example, is one of the few manufacturers that still produces high-performance sedans. In addition to powerful engines, many luxury cars offer powerful engines with direct fuel injection systems, dual exhaust systems, front airbags, and other technologies that improve ride quality and acceleration. Purchasing a luxury all-new vehicle with a powerful engine, state-of-the-art audio system, and all-wheel drive should be your priority when shopping for a new vehicle.
