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How Long Does It Take to Buy a Car on Average?

October 8, 2023

Did you know that buying a car is one of the most stressful things that you can do in your life?

If you aren’t careful, you could end up spending too much money on a car that isn’t the right fit for you. Not investing the time to find the right car can actually end up costing you money in the long run.

Are you wondering “How long does it take to buy a car? and “Is it worth the hassle?” Let’s explore all the important factors about buying a car so that you can make an educated decision about your purchase.

Research (1-3 weeks)

The journey to buying a car often begins with research. This phase can take anywhere from one to three weeks, depending on how well-informed you are about your preferences and needs. Here’s what you’ll be doing during this stage:

Determine Your Budget (1-2 days)

Before you start browsing car listings, it’s crucial to establish a budget. Consider factors like your income, monthly expenses, and how much you’re willing to allocate for a car payment. This step could take a day or more to finalize.

Identify Your Needs and Preferences (1-2 weeks)

What type of car do you need? Are you looking for a compact car, an SUV, a truck, or a specific make and model? Do you have any must-have features?

Deciding on your preferences and needs can take some time. This is because you’ll want to research various options and focus on your requirements.

Research Vehicles (1-2 weeks)

Once you’ve defined your needs and preferences, start researching different cars for sale that match your criteria. Read reviews, compare prices, and gather information on the specific models you’re interested in. This research phase can last anywhere from one to two weeks.

Pre-Approval for Financing (1-2 days)

If you plan to finance your car purchase, you should get pre-approved for a loan before visiting dealerships. This step can typically be completed in one to two days, depending on your financial institution’s response time. Getting pre-approved helps you understand your budget better and streamlines the buying process.

Visit Dealerships and Test Drive (1-2 weeks)

The next step in buying a car is visiting dealerships. You can check out dealerships in Brattleboro, VT to see the vehicles in person and test-drive them. This stage can take anywhere from one to two weeks. This depends on how many dealerships you visit and how many test drives you take.

Contact dealerships to schedule appointments for test drives. Be sure to visit multiple dealerships to compare different cars and offers.

When you visit a dealership, you’ll spend time test-driving the vehicles you’re interested in. Plan for at least one to two days per dealership visit, as you’ll need time to explore the options and evaluate the cars thoroughly.

Negotiate the Price (1-3 days)

Negotiating the price can be one of the most time-consuming parts of buying a car. The duration of this stage depends on your negotiation skills, the dealer’s willingness to negotiate, and your willingness to walk away if the deal isn’t to your liking.

Before you start negotiating, research the market prices for the specific car you want. This will give you a better idea of a fair price range.

Negotiating with the dealership may take anywhere from one to three days. Be prepared for counteroffers and consider seeking advice from experienced negotiators if necessary.

Complete the Paperwork (1-2 days)

Once you’ve agreed on a price, it’s time to complete the paperwork, which can typically be done in one to two days. This involves signing the sales contract and arranging financing (if necessary). At this stage, you should also include handling any other administrative tasks.

Vehicle Delivery (1-7 days)

The time it takes to receive your car can vary depending on its availability and the dealership’s location. If the dealership has the car you want in stock, you may be able to take delivery within a day or two.

If you’ve ordered a car with specific options or features that aren’t readily available, you may need to wait several weeks for it to be delivered. If you’re buying a used car, the delivery time will depend on the dealership’s procedures and any necessary inspections or repairs.

Vehicle Inspection and Registration (1-2 days)

Before you can hit the road, you’ll need to inspect the vehicle and complete the registration process. This typically takes one to two days.

You must inspect the car thoroughly to ensure it meets your expectations and there are no hidden issues. Also, complete the necessary paperwork to register the vehicle and get license plates.

Insurance (1 day)

You’ll need to arrange insurance coverage for your new car before driving it off the lot. You’ll need to call or go online to insurance companies to find out how much it will cost to protect your new car. Once you’ve picked the right insurance plan for you and your car, it usually only takes a day to finish up the paperwork.

This step is crucial because it ensures your car has coverage in case of accidents or damage. It is also usually required by law to have insurance before driving your new car.

Final Delivery (1 day)

Finally, you’ll return to the dealership to pick up your car. You’ll go to the dealership, finish any last bits of paperwork, and they’ll hand you the keys to your new car. This usually happens in just one day, and it’s the exciting moment when you can drive your new car home.