- Buying Guide

Keep control of your next car purchase. Look through this Buying Guide to find tips on selecting a car and financing plan that's right for you. It will help you make the most of your Nissan purchase and ownership experience.  

Browse before you buy

You'll find hundreds of new vehicles on the market - which should you buy: a truck, 4WD, van, sports car, wagon, coupe or sedan? Which make and model? Many factors may influence your decision. To get you started, consider these three guidelines:

1. USE: How will you use this car?

Who is going to drive the new car? Is it just you or other members of your family? Different driving styles may require different performance, comfort and safety features.

Who will ride in the new car? Will it carry family, pets, colleagues, clients? This will tell you how much luxury, comfort or room you'll need.

Where will you take the new car? For commuting, comfort is usually a primary concern. Road trips require added convenience and performance. Going out on the town calls for style. Whatever your destinations, make sure to keep these factors in mind.

What will you demand of the new car? Will you be doing heavy work, such as hauling equipment or towing? Are you planning lots of active, off-road driving? Shopping for groceries or home improvement supplies? Consider what your requirements are: heavy, moderate, or light.

2. PRICE: What can you afford?

What monthly payment do you want?

How much is your trade-in worth? Do you still owe money on your trade-in?

How large a down payment do you want to make?

What does it cost to insure this car?

What does it cost to fuel and maintain it?

Do you want a pre-owned or a new car?

3. QUALITY: What do others* have to say about the vehicle?

Consumer Magazines/Sites: CHOICE, Consumer Reports, HighwaySafety.org

Car Magazines/Sites: Wheels, Overlander, Australian 4WD, Car & Driver, Motor Trend, Road and Track, eauto.com.au, autoweb.com.au, wardsauto.com

Independent Associations: AAA, Royal Automobile Club (RAC) in your State, NRMA, Glass' Guide

Owners Clubs: Online clubs or newsgroups devoted to a particular automobile, where bulletin boards discuss owners' vehicle experiences.

Annual Motor Shows and Events: Compare models side-by-side.

Discuss all of the above questions and considerations with friends or family members, as well as our friendly staff at Hardman Nissan. Then, narrow your selection to a few cars.

To make your final decision, visit Dealerships and explore each car in person. How does the car make you feel? Does it substantially meet your needs? Can you see yourself in the car? Relationships with vehicles often extend beyond the practical; take the time to find the one that matches your unique personality and needs.

*Note: Neither Nissan nor Hardman Nissan represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any of these independent sites, magazines, associations, motor shows, information or content (collectively "Materials") referred to in this section. Any reliance upon any Materials shall be at your sole risk.

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