Car buyers often come to us wondering how much to spend on their purchase. After all, a car is undoubtedly a major investment, and you want to make sure it’s a smart one. Here are a few tips for setting a budget for pre-owned Alfa Romeo cars at Helfman Alfa Romeo of Sugar Land.

Consider Your Income and Expenses

Financial experts have a few tips to keep in mind when setting a budget for a vehicle purchase.

  • Don’t spend more than 10-percent of your take-home pay on your auto payment
  • Keep your auto expenses (payment included) under 15-percent of your monthly income
  • Keep your total debt-to-income ratio under 36-percent

Do Your Research

Even if a vehicle works for your budget, you also want to make sure it’s a smart purchase and you’re getting a good deal on the vehicle. Do your research to establish, first of all, that the vehicle meets your needs. Check its reviews to find out what other owners think. You also want to look at its market value to see how competitive the pricing is for the vehicle you are eyeing.

Take a Test Drive

If you find a really good deal on a pre-owned Alfa Romeo vehicle, you also want to make sure that it isn’t coming at a cost. Take a test drive and check out the vehicle’s performance and condition. Does it meet your expectations? Can you drive it comfortably? Does it have the features you want and need?

When you are looking for a quality pre-owned Alfa Romeo car or SUV, there’s no second-guessing involved at our Houston Alfa Romeo dealership. You will only find the best of the best on our lot. Stop in today and see for yourself!