What to Look For When Buying a New Car

BAY CITY, Mich. – Purchasing a new vehicle is a big decision to make, especially when it's what will get you from Point A to Point B. When you are ready to purchase, you'll be able to shop around and look at different makes, models, and specifications to fit your needs, while also finding something that fits within your budget and meets your personal preferences. It's a very exciting time in your life, which is why you'll want to make sure you make the right vehicle purchase. If you're wondering what to look for when you're buying a new car, Graff Bay City has compiled a list of factors for you to consider. On the hunt for a specific vehicle style? We carry an extensive inventory of vehicles that'll meet all of your expectations, from sporty driving to family-friendly SUVs.

1. Consider Your Budget

The first thing you'll want to take into consideration is your budget. Knowing how much you are willing to spend on a vehicle is essential in helping you narrow down your choices to find something that'll best suit your needs. Usually, the rule is that your car payments should equal up to 20% of your take-home income. Since down payments for vehicles can be quite expensive, there are a lot of options available to vehicle buyers. If you're interested in applying for an auto loan for financing, fill out a credit approval form and our auto-loan experts will help you find a plan that best fits your budget!

2. Buying vs. Leasing

Once you have your budget in mind, you'll want to consider the options of either buying a vehicle or leasing one. Buying a car can provide you with a long-term investment which will return on itself, however, it can be extremely costly initially, with large down payments and long-term payment plans. Leasing may seem like a much more affordable option, but it can also become expensive if you go over your mileage limit or have to finance any repairs. Read about the pros and cons of each on our buying vs. leasing page!

3. Write Out Your Needs

You have your budget and you've made a choice between buying a vehicle or leasing a vehicle. Now what? Figuring out what you and your passengers need is the next step. Write out everything you want and need in a vehicle. Think about what you need now and what you'll need in the future. Do you want something spacious with a lot of room? What about a flashy, sleek vehicle with a lot of customization? Safety features? How many seats do you want in your vehicle? Keep all of your needs and preferences in mind when you go in to purchase a vehicle, as they will factor into your budget and final purchase decision.

4. Pick Your Vehicle Out

Now that you've gotten all of that figured out, it's time to visit the dealership to find your perfect match. If you prefer searching at home, take a look at our inventory to see the many options available to you! You can edit your search to specify what you're looking for, whether it's a spacious SUV or a fast and powerful 2-seater! If you're curious about a specific vehicle, you can also read their brochures for more information on the specifications and what they have to offer! In just a few short steps, you'll be able to take your new vehicle out for a drive!

5. Give it a Test Drive

Finding the right vehicle may be the hard part, but once you do, it's smooth sailing from there! First, you'll need to contact us to set up a test drive appointment. This is your chance to find out whether or not the vehicle you've been researching is the one for you! Refer to your needs you wrote out earlier to find out if the car matches your specifications. Try driving it based on your commute: if you drive on highways, see how it handles the high speeds; if you live on a dirt road, consider taking it off-road to see how it will manage! Check the trunk for its spacing, the exterior for any damage, and seats for comfortability. These steps are all a necessary part of making sure that you are happy with your purchase! If you have any questions or concerns, our Sales Staff will be glad to address them!

While purchasing your vehicle can be very fun and exciting, it can also be very time-consuming. Keeping your budget and personal preferences in mind all play a huge role in this decision. We hope that this list of what to look for when you buying a new car helps you to narrow down your choices to find the vehicle that's just right for you! Feel free to reach out to us with any concerns you may have. We're happy to help match you up with your dream car!

Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we are here to help our community grow to become an even better place to call home! For more information on Hank Graff Chevrolet, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our website: www.GraffBayCity.com.

Follow us: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, YouTube, & Instagram

Tips You Can Follow to Pick the Perfect Chevy for Your Needs

BAY CITY, Mich.,–– At Graff Bay City, it's our goal to match you up with the vehicle of your dreams. Taking the first step and deciding what kind of vehicle you want can be a daunting task. There are so many makes and models out there that might suit your needs, but how can you be sure a vehicle is right for you? When you get started on your vehicle search, here are a few tips you can follow to pick the perfect Chevy for your needs! 

Consider Your Lifestyle

One of the most important steps in choosing a vehicle is determining which type will suit your lifestyle best. Ask yourself the following questions that apply to how you will be using this vehicle for years to come. How far is your commute to and from work? Do you have any pets or children that will be in the vehicle? How many seats will you need? What types of things will you need cargo space for? Will you be using your vehicle for work? What type of climate will you be mainly driving the vehicle in? How much are you willing to pay for gas? Keep the answers to these questions in mind when you start your search!

Sort Your Options by Category

A great way to help curb your options is by sorting vehicles by class based on your needs. Keeping your needs in mind, you can sort your lifestyle into a vehicle category, whether it's a sedan, crossover vehicle, pick-up truck, or SUV. Every category or size of vehicle has specific benefits that work hand in hand with their respective lifestyles, but what you drive is up to you at the end of the day. We at Graff Bay City are more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Feel free to reach out to us for recommendations and assistance!

Research Potential Vehicles

If you've already got your sights set on a certain vehicle, take a look at some more in depth information before you go on a hunt. Our comprehensive model overview pages give you an opportunity to research potential vehicles you have in mind. You can view vehicle specs, features, inventory, and price ranges to help better influence your decision. Plus, you can download vehicle brochures for more information on technology, safety features, and more. If you're curious about any vehicles, or have any questions, our knowledgable Sales Staff will be happy to assist you with whatever you need!

Test Drive Vehicles You Like

The best way to find out if a vehicle is right for you is to get behind the wheel! Set up an appointment with us and we can get you on the road in the vehicle of your choice right away. While you're out on the road, you should test the vehicle based on your lifestyle. If you drive on highways on your commute to work, take it for a spin on a nearby freeway. If you live on a dirt road or regularly drive on one, take your potential vehicle through the backroads to see how it handles. Inspect how different functions work. Test the sound system, sit in passenger seats for comfort, and check the trunk to see how much cargo space you have to work with. When you've finally gone through all the features during your test drive, you'll know whether or not it's the one for you!

Decide to Lease or Buy

Keeping your budget in mind will help you choose between buying or leasing a vehicle. Each have their own individual pros and cons to consider, and each carry different obligations in terms of financing. While buying a new vehicle gives you complete ownership, it's important to understand the long term costs associated with doing so. Leasing a vehicle, which is a better option financially for some, may limit your driving experience more than you want. Consider researching the benefits and setbacks of buying or leasing a vehicle before you make your final decision.



Before you know it, you'll be behind the wheel on the ride of your dreams! At Graff Bay City we want to help you pick the perfect Chevy for your needs, budget, and lifestyle. So if you need any help throughout the vehicle search or the leasing/buying process, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We often run promotions for new Chevrolet vehicles, so stay tuned to us on social media and our online inventory.


Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we are here to help our community grow to become an even better place to call home! For more information on Hank Graff Chevrolet, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our website: www.GraffBayCity.com.

Follow us: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, YouTube, & Instagram