A new year of auto shows is well underway, and if you’ve visited a show and returned with a better idea of which Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram, Wagoneer, Alfa Romeo or FIAT® vehicle you want, it’s time to plan your next steps.
1. Buy or lease?
Alongside choosing the right vehicle for your needs, think about whether buying or leasing is the best way to get behind the wheel and enjoy your ride in the years to come.
A purchase, for instance, comes with the clear benefit of ownership and an asset you can potentially sell in the future, while there are other advantages such as the freedom to maintain and drive your vehicle without the restrictions you’ll typically find with a lease.
Leasing, on the other hand, gives you the flexibility to drive the latest model and easily change vehicles again in just a few years’ time. It usually has a lower monthly payment than if you finance the purchase of the same vehicle, too. You can check out more factors involved in buying and leasing here.
2. Run the numbers
Next, it’s important to understand what you may be able to spend. Consider creating a monthly budget and use our finance calculators* as you run the numbers on a vehicle.
3. Look up pricing and model options
You may already have picked up some valuable information in this area from talking to a representative or reading material available at the show. However, the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram, Alfa Romeo and FIAT® brand websites are all great resources to get further details on features, specifications, options and pricing.
4. Take a test drive
Follow up your research by going to your local FCA US dealership for a test drive while you refine your vehicle choice. Even if you had the opportunity to take a drive at the auto show, you might still be deciding between a couple of vehicles, want to check out more features or try driving on different roads.
5. View the latest offers
Don’t forget to review the latest financing deals at the Chrysler Capital Offers page. We update these incentives regularly and you may see a saving that plays into your decision. In addition, be sure to ask your dealer about the best available offers once at the dealership.
6. See if you prequalify
Finally, if you’re interested in a purchase, find out if you prequalify for financing to help set your expectations. Prequalification can give you a better idea of whether you’ll be approved on a full financing application and, if you prequalify, what your terms may be including how much you can borrow, the monthly payment and the interest rate.
*The referenced calculator is meant for educational and illustrative purposes only. The calculator estimates monthly payments solely based on the information you provide. We do not guarantee the availability of the illustrated terms or your eligibility for any product referenced. The estimated monthly payments generated from the calculator do not constitute a finance offer.
The statements in this article are informational only and should not be construed as legal, financial, tax or other professional advice.
With 10 years of experience in auto finance, Rob Looker helps car shoppers find the right vehicles with the right financing so they can enjoy the road ahead. When he’s not creating content, he’s often behind the wheel, exploring new places.
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