Buying a new car can be stressful, especially if you’re living paycheck to paycheck and trying to find a vehicle at a certain price.
While it can be easy to spend more than you should on a new car, you can still find a vehicle with the features you need for less than you’d expect.
We’ll go over some items worth trading up for before you leave the dealership.
6 Smart Ways to Crush Your Debt Today
1. Cruise control
Cruise control is standard on many cars and for some good reasons. Not only can it help reduce fatigue over long distances, but it can also make your vehicle more fuel efficient by maintaining a constant speed automatically.
You may not see savings with a more efficient vehicle right away, but it can save you money in the long run with lower gas bills if you use it enough.
2. Connectivity with smartphone
Today, everyone has a smartphone and it comes with features like map apps that are useful when you are driving.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow you to use these types of apps with your car, so make sure the vehicle you’re looking to buy has a way to connect your smartphone to it.
A bonus? Beyond navigation, smartphone connectivity typically also allows you to make hands-free calls while driving.
Get expert tips for making more money, delivered straight to your inbox.
3. USB sockets
Similar to smartphone connectivity, many new cars also include USB sockets. They are perfect for charging phones and other smart devices while you drive.
These outlets also usually help connect your devices to the car so you can use navigation apps while driving.
4. Front-wheel drive
One feature most cars come with is front-wheel drive, so it’s something you don’t want to skip (and probably shouldn’t) when buying a new car.
Two benefits of front-wheel drive include fuel efficiency and better traction in slippery conditions.
If you live in an area where you experience freezing winters, you may want to explore other options such as four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on what you can afford.
5. Periodic maintenance records
If you’re buying a used car, it’s important to ask for your vehicle’s service records to check the vehicle’s history before you take it home.
A vehicle’s service records will tell you if a car was well cared for by its previous owner through routine oil changes and tire rotations. You can also find out if the car has been in an accident.
See how much you can save on car insurance
6. Blind spot monitoring
Another feature that is increasingly available in new vehicles is blind spot monitoring. This alert system serves as another set of eyes for areas around the car that are difficult to see.
If there’s another car near you, you’ll usually see a flashing light in one of your side mirrors and hear a beep to let you know you don’t have to change lanes yet.
This feature can save you a lot in the long run by helping you avoid costly car accidents.
7. Security camera
A backup camera isn’t just a flashy add-on, especially with its wide availability in new vehicles. These cameras can be incredibly helpful in preventing accidents and possible damage to the car caused by objects behind it.
Check with your dealer if a backup camera is an option on the models you’re looking at or consider adding a rear camera.
8. Good gas consumption
When you’re on a tight budget, fuel efficiency is key. A vehicle’s sticker usually shows how many miles per gallon it can get on both city streets and highways. This can help you figure out how much gas might cost you while you own the vehicle.
Whether you have a long commute to work or enjoy taking road trips on the weekends, it’s important to find a car that can go the distance on as little gas as possible.
Earn cash back every time you fill up your gas tank with one of these credit cards.
9. Automatic emergency braking
Safety is a priority for all drivers, and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) is key to adding another layer of protection while driving. This technology detects an impending collision and activates the brakes to help avoid a crash.
bottom line
Before you go shopping for a new car, it’s important to check your budget to see how much you can afford.
If your budget is tight, consider some ways to make extra money so you can have a bigger down payment or avoid compromising essential features.
A car is a major purchase and one that you will want to thoroughly research before making your final decision.
More from FinanceBuzz:
This article Top 9 Features to Look for When Buying a Car on a Budget originally appeared on FinanceBuzz.
