Looking to Buy Your Next Car

The first steps to buying a new car the smarter way.

Today, buying a car is a big investment. Prices have gone up. So, it is very important to do research on what kind of car you should buy. Many new and used car owners end up with the wrong car for their needs or become saddled with debt. We created this guide to help you buy the right car at the right price.

Know Your Needs

The starting line begins with a rational question to yourself. Why do I need to buy or lease another car. Maybe your family situation has changed, repairs have gotten too costly or it's just time for something new. There's no right or wrong answer, but understanding the reason will help guide you on the rest of your car-buying journey.

Think about what you like and don't like about your current vehicle. You may love how reliable your car is, but you desire the latest and greatest in driver-assist technology. Whatever the answer, it will prioritize

Purpose

Now it's time to determine the primary purpose of the car you want to purchase. For most people that could be commuting, utility or fun. Defining your purpose can help point you to corresponding categories like fuel-efficient hybrids, powerful trucks or sporty coupes. You may also find yourself wanting a car that can do it all, like a compact SUV.

Used Mini Vans

That said, do consider how often your new car will be doing what it was designed for. If you need eight seats, a Honda Odyssey minivan is one of the greatest reliable family cars available. In addition, we stock the following Used Minivans:

• Kia Carnival
• Nissan Quest
• Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
• Toyota Sienna Hybrid
• Chrysler Town and Country
• Kia Sedona
• Dodge Grand Caravan
• Chrysler Pacifica
• Toyota Sienna
• Honda Odyssey

You should also make sure your new car fits your current and upcoming life stages. A sports car might seem like fun when you're single with few responsibilities, but you may have to cut it short if you're planning to start a family in the near future. So if you're going to buy, make sure that you are thinking about owning the vehicle for five years and more. If you're anticipating any big changes in the next few years, a short 2-3 year lease might make the most economic sense instead of buying a vehicle outright.

Check Your Finances

Now it's time to think about the financial side of the equation. If it's been more than a few years since you've bought a car, you might discover that the economics of car-buying are a little different than you remember. At the time of this writing, interest rates for car loans are the highest they've been in a decade, so keep your expectations in check if you're determined to finance at 0% APR.

Used cars are also more expensive these days, with the average price weighing in at over $30,000. But don't worry; it's not solely due to inflation. In many cases you're getting more for your money, as new cars are safer and more feature-rich than ever. Technology has also helped fuel economy, so while some vehicles may now cost more up front, you'll save at the pump going forward and your new car will last much longer than those cars build years ago. For example, a new Honda Civic is larger and more luxurious than a Honda Accord from decades past.

This is a good time to think about whether you should buy or lease your new car. Based on depreciation, it usually makes more financial sense to buy a vehicle if you plan to keep it for more than five years. One good thing about a Honda is that it holds its value very well. If you're not sure whether you'll keep a car for more than three years, our math suggests that, in most cases, you should lease instead. Be sure to account for the full cost of the vehicle including taxes, fees, and registration, especially if you're paying in cash.

Used SUVs

Now it's time to do some research and see which car deserves a spot in your driveway. Take some time to consult with family, watch videos and read articles. If you need suggestions on vehicles across different categories, check out these SUVs.

Used Large SUVs

• Honda Pilot
• Chevrolet Tahoe
• Chevrolet Suburban
• GMC Yukon
• Jeep Wagoner
• Chevrolet Tahoe
• Ford Expedition
• Toyota Sequoia
• Nissan Armada
• Lincoln Navigator
• Cadillac Escalade
• Mercedes Benz GLS-Class
• BMW X7
• Infiniti QX80
• Lexus LX

Midsize SUVs

• Kia Telluride
• Honda Passport
• Hyundai Palisade
• Mazda CX-9
• Chevrolet Traverse
• Hyundai Santa Fe
• Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Buick Enclave
• Dodge Durango
• Subaru Ascent
• Kia Sorento
• Toyota Highlander
• Volkswagen Atlas
• Ford Explorer
• GMC Acadia
• Nissan Murano
• Chevrolet Blazer
• Toyota 4Runner
• Ford Edge
• Jeep Grand Cherokee L
• Nissan Pathfinder

Compact SUVs

• Honda HR-V
• Hyundai Kona
• Kia Soul
• Mazda CX-30
• Kia Seltos
• Buick Encore GX
• Hyundai Venue
• Mini Cooper Countryman
• Subaru Crosstrek
• Chevrolet Trailblazer
• Jeep Renegade
• Buick Encore
• Chevrolet Trax
• Toyota C-HR
• Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
• Fiat 500X
• Ford EcoSport
• Nissan Kicks
• Nissan Rogue Sport
• Toyota Corolla Cross
• Volkswagen Taos

Cars Are Built for the Long Haul

Modern automobiles are built to a very high standard. How do we know this? Most drivers don't even blink an eye at the sight of 100,000 miles on their odometer. In fact, the average car on the road is over 12 years old and has roughly 130,000 miles on the odometer, according to Experian data.Another thing to consider is how long cars are kept by their owners. Experian data shows that the average driver trades their vehicle in after six years. While not an eternity, six years is still a significant amount of time, especially to drive the same car. That's why it's important to know what you need out of your next vehicle so you don't have to trade it in sooner than necessary.

Consider Leasing a Vehicle Instead

Maybe you don't want to keep a car that long. If you're the type of person who likes to swap out cars every few years, or if you don't want to commit to financing a car for the next few years, you might consider a lease. With a lease, you essentially rent the car for three years. During that time, your monthly payment covers the projected depreciation of the vehicle (which is determined by the vehicle's residual value).

Once the lease is up, you have the option to buy out the vehicle from the lease or simply turn it in and go about your business.

Recipe for Success

Now that we've covered the factors that go into a car purchase, you can shop for your next vehicle with the utmost confidence. Given today's market conditions, the last thing anyone wants to do is trade their car in before they're ready. With the tips above and our helpful sales personal and tools to find any car you are looking for, your next ride may be just around the corner.

Facts to Know Before Buying a Car

The automotive market is currently experiencing a time like none other, with prices at an all-time high, demand showing no signs of shrinking, and inventories continuing to stay low. These conditions are leaving shoppers frustrated and uncertain how to navigate the market.

Our goal is to help equip you with the knowledge you need to make the best car buying decision for you. Every month, we analyze industry sales trends and conditions to get a better understanding of how the market is operating - here is an important fact that you need to know about buying a car.

Things to Know Before Buying a Car Right Now

To begin, buyers should know that sales are down and we are offering reduced prices and incentives to get folks into our dealership and buy used cars. It only makes sense, since we are getting a limited number of new cars because our new inventory is still being rocked by chip shortages. So, an increase in used car sales seems promising for us and for pre-owned car buyers as well.

A car purchase is a sign of commitment. Not only do you have to research the vehicle that's right for your driving needs, but also one that fits within your budget. This is why a car purchase is not something most buyers take lightly. So how do you go about choosing a vehicle that will be your car, van, SUV or truck for many years to come?

1. Evaluate your budget and monthly payment commitment
2. Consider your driving needs and potential lifestyle changes
3. Thoroughly test drive the car to make sure you like it day in and day out
4. Buy a car with the options YOU want
5. Entertain a lease if you don't want to commit to long-term ownership

Used Pickup Trucks

When it comes to buying a used pickup truck, the sheer number of options can be intimidating. But there are a few important considerations that help narrow the field. We looked at the whole spectrum of trucks -- midsize, full-size, and heavy-duty-- and picked models from each category that represent a good mix of performance, comfort, features, and value. Value is of particular importance, as buying the most popular truck sometimes means paying top dollar, especially in today's hot truck market.

Midsize Trucks

• Honda Ridgeline
• Toyota Tacoma
• Nissan Frontier
• GMC Canyon
• Chevrolet Colorado
• Ford Maverick
• Jeep Gladiator
• Ford Ranger
• Hyundai Santa Cruz

Full-Size Trucks

• Ford F-150
• Toyota Tundra
• Chevrolet Silverado 1500
• GMC Sierra 1500
• Nissan Titan
• Ram Pickup 1500
• GMC Hummer

Heavy-Duty Trucks

• Ford F-250 Super Duty
• Ford F-350 Super Duty
• Nissan Titan XD
• Chevrolet Silverado 2500
• Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD
• GMC Sierra 2500 HD
• GMC Sierra 3500HD
• Ram 2500 HD
• Ram 3500

Luxury Used Cars

Buying a new car has plenty of perks, but depreciation is an undeniable factor. That's not ideal if you plan to sell within the first three years of ownership, but it can be a huge opportunity if you're looking to purchase a used vehicle that's been well maintained.

Many recently redesigned and newly introduced vehicles are now off-lease and are being sold as used or certified pre-owned. That means you can enjoy modern designs and recent technology for far less than the original price. Here are great luxury used cars that we have in our inventory at various times of the year.

• Audi A6
• Ford Fusion Hybrid
• BMW 3 Series
• Volvo S60
• Mercedes-Benz E-Class
• Lincoln MKZ
• Infiniti Q50
• BMW 4 Series
• Infiniti QX60
• Audi A4

Luxury Sport Sedans

• BMW 5 Series
• BMW 2 Series
• Mercedes-Benz C Class
• Mercedes-Benz E Class
• Audi A4
• Porsche Panamera
• Cadillac ATS
• Cadillac CTS
• Jaguar XE
• Infiniti Q50
• Alfa Romeo Giulia

Luxury Mid-Size Sedans

• Acura RLX
• Audi A6
• Cadillac CTS
• BMW 5 Series
• Genesis G80
• Infiniti Q70
• Jaguar XF
• Lexus GS
• Lincoln MKZ
• Mercedes-Benz E Class
• Volvo S90

Luxury Full-Size Sedans

• Mercedes-Benz S Class
• Audi A7
• Porsche Panamera
• Genesis G80
• Lexus LS
• Audi A7
• Lexus ES
• Audi S7
• BMW 8 Series
• Genesis G90
• Mercedes-Benz AMG GT
• BMW 7 Series
• Maserati Quattroporte
• Audi S8
• Audi RS7
• Mercedes-Benz Maybach S Class

Sports Cars

Sports cars are great and if you wish to purchase a used sports car, we carry the following sports cars in our inventory. Now these cars sell fast; so the best way to get the one you want is to simply give us a call and let us know what you are looking for. We will search for your vehicle to match your requirements and then give you a call when it's on our lot and reserved for you.

• Ford Mustang
• Chevrolet Camaro
• Mazda MX-5 Miata
• Toyota GR86
• Subaru BRZ
• Porsche 911
• Porsche 718 Boxster
• BMW Z4
• Porche 718 Cayman
• Dodge Challenger
• Chevrolet Corvette
• Toyota Supra
• Dodge Charger
• Nissan Z
• Alfa Romeo Giulia
• Acura NSX

Used Family Cars

Safety, reliability and durability are part of the value discussion. They come into play in a car's maintenance costs and resale value. However, in the spirit of wanting to transport your family around in a safe, dependable environment, reliability and durability warrant closer examination.

Determining a used car's reliability involves reviewing data from past model years from those in the industry that collect this data. There are several companies that collect vast amounts of data on how models hold up. This is key information when establishing used car values.

We encourage buyers to tap into this wealth of information when considering the purchase of a used car. Trouble-free ownership is a win-win for the cost of owning and peace of mind. This is true not only for used car shoppers, but new car shoppers as well.

• Ford Fusion
• Hyundai Sonata
• Toyota Camry
• Toyota Corolla
• Honda Accord
• Honda Civic
• Chevrolet Malibu
• Nissan Altima
• Buick LaCrosse
• Toyota Avalon
• Kia Cadenza
• Nissan Maxima
• Chevrolet Impala
• Hyundai Azera
• Chrysler 200
• Chrysler 300
• Ford Taurus
• Mazda6
• Kia Optima
• Honda Prius

Used Cars for Teens

Cars mean freedom and independence. That's why a first car is a pivotal moment in every teenager's life. The feeling of the car keys being placed in your hand for the first time is indelibly etched into your memory, because it means you can go where you want, when you want.

Finally, whether teens will say so or not, parents will quickly admit that the most important thing about a first car is safety. Teens need a vehicle that's safe because teen drivers have only had their licenses for a few months or years and are just starting to learn the roads, defensive driving techniques, and their own impulse control. For our list, we chose cars that stand out from their segments with regard to safety ratings. A well-built car with a reputation for safety will give teens (and parents) extra peace of mind anytime they venture out on the open road.

While safety may be top of mind, purchase price and dependability are other factors that many teens and parents have to take into consideration when shopping for a vehicle. A used car for a teenager shouldn't have to break the bank, nor leave anyone stranded on the side of the road. The following are some ideas for a teen's first car.

• Ford Focus
• Honda Civic
• Hyundai Elantra
• Jeep Renegade
• Subaru Outback
• Toyota Yaris IA
• Mazda 3 sedan or hatchback
• Toyota Prius
• Toyota Corolla
• Honda Accord
• Toyota Camry
• Volkswagen Jetta
• Nissan Altima
• Ford Taurus
• Toyota Avalon
• Nissan Rogue

Conclusion

Looking for a car? A truck? An SUV? Explore our inventory of used cars for sale. You can perform a more detailed search of our used cars for sale by using our website filters. Bob Boyte Honda has a wide variety of makes and models, including Chevy, Dodge, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Toyota, Honda, Jeep, and Volkswagen. Looking for in-house financing, then we will match or beat our competitors. Finally, visit us and see why the Mississippi community comes to Bob Boyte Honda to purchase used cars.