Is a New Car the Perfect Gift This Year? What You Should Know

Is a New Car the Perfect Gift This Year? What You Should Know

The holidays are a time known for creating lasting memories, including the giving and receiving of meaningful gifts. Many gifts fit neatly under the tree, while others don’t come wrapped at all. Sometimes, the perfect gift might be waiting in the driveway.

Whether it’s pulling off that unforgettable surprise for a loved one or a reward for another successful year, a new vehicle can be a gift that truly feels special. But as always, purchasing a new car is a significant decision that requires careful consideration.

A lot goes into the car-buying process, and preparation goes a long way. With the right information and guidance, it can feel far more manageable, even during the busiest time of the year. As your trusted automotive partner, Hendrick Automotive Group is here to help you navigate the process and get you behind the wheel of a vehicle that’ll make this Christmas one you’ll never forget.

Assess Your Needs
First things first. It’s important to take time and think about who the vehicle is for and how it will be used. Are you searching for something dependable and accommodating for the family, or are you making a splash with the fun sports car you’ve always had your eye on? Being honest about your priorities from the start guides the rest of the process.

From daily commutes and long road trips to after-school activities and weekend errands, different vehicles are designed to meet unique lifestyles, routines, and habits. Consider how the vehicle fits into your everyday life. This will help you prioritize the features that matter most, whether that’s comfort, safety, fuel efficiency, or technology.

Space is another key factor, and you don’t want to underestimate how much you actually need. Think about how many passengers and extra cargo are typically along for the ride. Once you determine necessary space, you’ll be able to focus on vehicles with the right balance of seating capacity, flexibility, and cargo solutions.

Understand Costs & Set a Budget
Before taking a deep dive into your search, you’ll want to have a general idea of what you’re comfortable spending. The overall price of a vehicle is of course a great place to start, but there are more costs to consider as ownership includes several ongoing expenses that vary from vehicle to vehicle.

For example, fuel economy will influence how often you’re visiting the gas pump. Plus, certain vehicles, especially from luxury brands, call for higher-graded, more-expensive fuel. Similarly, service intervals differ by vehicle, and maintenance and repairs come at different price points depending on make, model, and specifications. Taking these ongoing expenses into account will paint a picture of the true cost of ownership, both at the time of purchase and in the future.

You should also think about what makes the most sense financially – buying or leasing. Each option offers different benefits, and understanding the differences can help you make a confident and comfortable decision. Our previous blog provides an in-depth breakdown and walks through details of buying versus leasing.

The good news is that you don’t have to make these decisions alone. When you visit a Hendrick dealership, our knowledgeable sales and finance experts will help you find a vehicle that fits your needs and supports your budget.

Do Your Research
Shopping for a vehicle is an exciting process, but with so many options out there, it can be a bit daunting. But getting started is the best first step, and there are plenty of resources available to help guide your search.

Begin your search online at HendrickCars.com, where you can explore our nationwide inventory of more than 30,000 cars, trucks, and SUVs from the industry’s leading manufacturers. Narrow your search by make, model, price range, body style, fuel type, color, features, and other search filters, and you’ll be able to focus on what truly matters. Along the way, you’ll also find detailed vehicle descriptions, research, guides, and other helpful information designed to support your search and move you one step closer to finding the right vehicle.

Consider New, Used, or Certified Pre-Owned
One of the many decisions you’ll face is whether to purchase new, used, or certified pre-owned. This choice deserves special attention as each vehicle type has distinct differences that influence several other factors, including price.

New vehicles offer the thrill of being the first owner, complete with that unmistakable new-car smell and the latest technology, safety features, and design updates. With no risk of wear and tear from a previous owner, everything is unmistakably yours from day one. They of course come with a higher price tag, which is an important consideration, but our new car inventory offers plenty of options at a variety of price points.

Used vehicles provide strong value, coming in at a lower price and with much of their depreciation already behind them. Mileage, number of owners, and past history certainly vary, but quality doesn’t have to be a concern. Our used car inventory includes a wide range of high-quality, affordable options, and we’re often able to provide detailed vehicle history reports that outline maintenance records, accident history, and the number of previous owners.

Certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles offer the best of both worlds. To earn the CPO designation, vehicles must meet their manufacturer’s strict age and mileage requirements and pass comprehensive multipoint inspections. Explore our CPO inventory and find thousands of vehicles offering like-new quality without the full new car price tag.

Think About the Future
It’s easy to get caught up in the moment when buying a new vehicle. Trust us, we’re car people. We know the feeling. That excitement is part of the experience, but most drivers keep their vehicles for several years, so it’s just as important to think beyond the here and now. A longer commute, a growing family, relocating to a new area, and other shifting priorities can all influence what somebody wants and needs from their vehicle in the future. Taking a forward-looking approach can help you choose the right vehicle for this holiday season and beyond.

Explore in Person
Now for the fun part. While online research is a key step in the car-buying process, nothing compares to experiencing a car up close and personal.

From checking the color and overall size to settling into the seats and wrapping your hands around the steering wheel, seeing your future vehicle in real time brings clarity to your decision. Don’t skip the test drive, either. A Hendrick teammate will be with you to answer questions, explain all the features, and help you confirm it’s everything you expected it to be.

Most importantly, exploring in person gives you the confidence to move forward. You can get a true look and feel for your different options and ensure they meet all your wants and needs. When you’re ready, find your local Hendrick dealership and take the next step toward securing this year’s perfect gift.

Save Big on the Car at the Top of Your Wishlist
If you think a new car could be this year’s unforgettable gift, now is the time to turn that idea into a reality. You’re prepared to make a well-informed decision while enjoying exceptional savings during the Hendrick Red Tag Sales Event.    

Going on now, the Hendrick Red Tag Sales Event offers savings on thousands of vehicles across our nationwide inventory. Give that special gift to that special someone and take advantage of $0 down payment options and no payment for 90 days on select vehicles.

Make it a happy Hendrick holiday this year! Visit HendrickCars.com and shop the Hendrick Red Tag Sales Event.