First-Time Car Buyer’s Guide

Buying a car for the first time is a daunting task. Cars are the second-most expensive item a consumer buys other than a home. At Landers Chevrolet Cadillac of Joplin, Missouri, we make the buying process simple, easy, and ultimately fun!

Choose a Model

Researching which cars can fit your needs is easier than ever thanks to all the information we have available online. Reliable websites like Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book provide great reviews for new models. Manufacturer websites such as Chevrolet.com is a great option for building models and choosing options as well as digging into specifics of cargo volume and gas mileage. Once you’ve decided on the type of car and whether to purchase new or pre-owned, you need to establish a budget and financing terms for your purchase.

Budget and Financing

The three main ways to purchase a car are through traditional financing, leasing, or paying cash. Traditional financing occurs when the price of the car is broken into monthly payments, with terms usually varying between 36 and 72 months. It is always good to put a down payment on your purchase to avoid being upside down in your loan. Being upside-down means you owe more on your car than what it is worth, which is rarely a good situation but sometimes unavoidable. Leasing is a great option if you like to switch cars often or are mostly looking for a low monthly payment. In essence, you’re renting the car for typically 36 months and usually must abide by a mileage cap that ranges anywhere from 10,000-15,000 miles annually. At the end of the lease, you can either turn the car in and get a new model or purchase the vehicle if you’d like to keep it. There are many types of lease contracts so if you’re leaning towards leasing, make sure to do your research about your lease-end options. If you have any questions about leasing a new Chevrolet or Cadillac, contact us and we’d love to give you more information.

Arriving at the Dealership

The time has finally come! You’ve decided on the perfect car for you and you’re heading to the dealership. There’s no need to be nervous! At Landers Chevrolet Cadillac of Joplin, Missouri, we have knowledgeable and patient sales associates to help you throughout your entire purchase. Make sure to take an extensive test drive to ensure you feel comfortable behind the wheel and the vehicle performs to your liking. When you return from your test drive, we’ll be sure to give you a great deal and follow up with any future service appointments to keep your new car running in tip-top shape.

At Landers Chevrolet Cadillac of Joplin, Missouri, we have great first car options from the efficient Spark to the capable and spacious Trax . If you’d like to save a little bit of money, we have great pre-owned options too. New cars come with a warranty and Chevrolet Complete Care which can offset the premium of buying over pre-owned but that choice is ultimately going to be up to you and your needs. Buying a new car can be very simple when done at Landers Chevrolet Cadillac of Joplin, Missouri!

4630 E. 32nd Street Joplin MO 64804