The Mom’s Guide to Taking the Stress Out of Car Buying

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Stress and motherhood go pretty much hand and hand, right? As much as we try to take time for ourselves to chill out, there is just no erasing the amount of worry, to-do list, and thoughts that go through our heads on a daily basis. Adding car shopping to the mix and that stress level rises to it’s max- but it doesn’t have to be that way. While I can’t promise to take all of your stress away, I can promise some easy ways to take the stress out of car buying.

My husband bought his first car whenever we were dating, but not married yet, so I didn’t need to deal with much there besides act all excited whenever everything worked out in his favor. The second car was when we were married and one expensive mistake that I was not there to witness. The third car, which I discussed when I knew it was time for an upgrade, is our Camaro that’s just way too small for our growing family. Now, I have a voice in it all and the financial decisions that have come with being older and wiser are definitely a cause for stress in the process.

How to Take the Stress Out of Car Buying

It is possible. Here’s how I’m trying to calm myself down.

Do your research.

I can’t stress this enough. Know what is out there, know what upgrades you are interested in, know what color you want the car to be – everything. Seriously. Talk with your partner ahead of time and come to resolutions together on anything you may be at odds about and squash it. You want to walk into the car dealership assertive and with your eye on the prize.

Know what you want and put your blinders on.

Within the same breathe, take those decisions and lock them in, putting your blinders on to everything else that car salesmen are going to offer you. If you know that you might have some wiggle room in the area of a certain upgrade or they come to you with a great offer you just can’t pass up, fine – but for the most part, have a good idea and don’t be easily persuaded otherwise. Put that game face on and be done with it.

Come prepared – in MANY different ways.

Car buying can often be an all day affair that most of the time both involves you and your partner. If you are unable to drop them off at grandma and grandpas, I highly recommend not only coming prepared for car buying, but also with lots of snack, toys and digital devices to keep the kids occupied. There is nothing worse that signing on the dotted line and realizing that you missed hearing an important detail because your two year old was having a meltdown. Just sayin’.

Know what you’re willing and able to spend ahead of time.

Using the Capital One’s Auto Navigator® site, you are able to know what to expect in terms of financing ahead of time. You can look into everything on your computer in the comfort of your own home and the inquiry will NOT make any negative impact on your credit score. You know your families budget better than anyone – especially the man or women helping you purchase your new car, so be as informed as possible and don’t let them try to tell you otherwise. Knowledge is power and it will take any awkwardness or guesswork out of the equation.

Make things easier on yourself instead of harder.

Seriously, I can’t stress this enough – use the Capital One’s Auto Navigator® site as it is your one stop shop for everything car related. We love 3-in-1 beauty products, right? It’s kinda like that, except for car buying.