Shop Smarter: Avoid These 5 Common Car Buying Mistakes
Published Sep 10, 2025
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Purchasing a car is an exciting accomplishment, but the shopping period beforehand is often fraught with anxiety, confusion, and conflicting feelings. We know exactly how stressful car buying can be, so we’ve come up with a few essential pieces of advice to make the process go smoothly.
Before you begin searching for a new car, read the following list of common car-buying mistakes so you know exactly how to avoid them.
1. Failing to research
Before making any huge decision, it’s smart to conduct research instead of diving in headfirst. This certainly applies to buying a car, so buyers should consult online resources like Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, and manufacturer websites prior to purchasing a new vehicle. During this process, you’ll learn about makes, models, prices, and more.
Research will give you an in-depth understanding of the features and benefits of various cars, providing the knowledge you need to make an informed decision about which vehicle is right for you. Exhaustive research will also protect you from overpaying, because you’ll be up to date on standard costs based on make and model
2. Skipping the test drive
We get it: your days are busy, and even making time for a dealership visit was probably tough. The thought of squeezing a test drive into your already tight schedule might seem impossible, but we promise the end result will be more than worth it.
Just like trying on clothes in a fitting room helps you decide if they look good, test driving a new car makes it clear whether or not it suits your needs. A car might look fantastic from the outside, but a simple test drive can reveal hidden problems. This is especially true of used cars, because they often contain minor (or sometimes huge) imperfections.
A test drive allows you to test out features, adjust to a car’s steering style, and develop a sense of what maneuvering a particular car feels like overall. If a vehicle just doesn’t feel comfortable for you, it’s much better to uncover this during a test run than to realize it farther down the road when you’ve already committed to it.
If you’re in the market for a vehicle, don’t underestimate the power of a test drive. It could be the difference between settling for a car and finding one you truly love.
3. Counting out used cars
Contrary to what some people believe, newer doesn’t always mean better.
Shiny new cars are attractive and easy to fall for, but they also come with pretty intimidating price tags. If you want a vehicle that’s sturdy, affordable, and has a proven track record of success, consider purchasing a car that’s already belonged to someone.
Used cars are generally cheaper, and they also let buyers avoid the pain of depreciation. Whereas new cars depreciate by roughly 30% within the first 2 years, used cars have already taken this hit. After the initial depreciation, a used car’s value goes down at a slower rate, leaving more of your original investment intact. Used cars also have lower insurance costs, which can save buyers a lot of money over time.
Before committing to a used vehicle, buyers should dive into its history. Past accidents and maintenance issues are important to know before driving off into the sunset in your new car, truck, SUV, or van. Mechanical inspection is also essential, as knowledgeable technicians can identify previously unseen problems.
For an extra layer of dependability, you can seek out certified pre-owned vehicles. These are a specific kind of used car that undergoes thorough inspections and often comes with program perks like roadside assistance.
4. Falling for the first car you see
One of the best parts about car shopping is the variety. Whether you want a powerful pickup or a family-friendly SUV, there's a vehicle out there somewhere that can deliver everything you need.
The problem? Many buyers are so anxious to get the shopping process over with that they commit quickly without truly considering their options.
As you set out to find a new car, truck, or van, take time to view several options before deciding on one to buy. If you purchase the first acceptable vehicle you see, you’re just depriving yourself of other fantastic choices you might enjoy much more.
5. Failing to consider all costs
When shopping for a car, leading with your head is preferable to leading with your heart. Unfortunately for eager shoppers, this means not going all in on the first enticing car you see.
Large purchases can be complex, so making major mistakes is surprisingly easy. As you scan a dealership lot or online stock, think carefully about all costs. Let’s say you’ve saved up $12,000 for a car. It may seem tempting to gravitate toward a $12,000 vehicle, but in reality, you need to think about dealer fees, sales tax, and vehicle registration. Save at least $2,000 for these things, and shop lower than the total amount you have saved.
Beyond this, buyers must also consider what their monthly payments will be. Remember: it’s not just car loans that cost you. Things like fuel expenses, which vary by vehicle, and maintenance costs also come into play. Even if you can afford a certain down payment, you have to think about a vehicle’s monthly installments in the context of your other expenses.
Only if you can afford these monthly costs along with things like rent, groceries, and electricity bills is this a car you can actually afford. Look at the big picture when vehicle shopping, or risk getting stuck with a car that exceeds your means.
Shop smarter with Transwest
At Transwest, we do everything in our power to prioritize customer convenience and satisfaction. Our helpful sales team will guide you through every step of the process, showing off our new and used vehicles until they find the one that’s right for you. View our broad selection of vehicles online, or stop by a Transwest location today.
