Savage KIA’s Top Tips for First-Time Car Buyers

October 08, 2021 · 6 min read

Another happy set of first-time car buyers here at Savage Kia

Purchasing your very first vehicle can be exciting, however, that excitement can quickly turn to confusion if you’re not prepared ahead of time. Confusion and uncertainty when shopping for a new vehicle can lead to poor, uninformed decisions, that ultimately end up costing you money. Avoid that confusion and uncertainty by reading this list of top tips for first-time car buyers before you hit the lot! Once you read through this fantastic list of tips, come on down to Savage Kia to use your new knowledge to shop for your new vehicle.

First-Time Car Buying Tips

Figure Out Your Budget

As with most things in the world, setting a budget is one of the most important things to do first before you make any other decisions. Defining your budget makes it easier to narrow down what vehicles you can afford, preventing you from falling into the trap of stretching too far for a vehicle you can’t afford. Before you settle on a budget for a new car, make sure to evaluate your monthly living expenses and determine from there what you can afford monthly for a vehicle. Remember to include estimates for car insurance, fuel, and vehicle maintenance in this budget, because owning a vehicle is a lot more than a monthly payment. Once you’ve figured out what you can afford, the hard part is done, now it’s time to start the fun by searching for the right vehicle at Savage Kia.

List Your Needs

Now, this may seem like the first thing to do when you’re ready to buy a new car, but without a budget in mind, many “wants” become “needs”, skyrocketing the cost of the vehicle. Define your vehicle needs by taking into consideration your occupation, daily commute, and even things like the weather around where you live. All of these factors not only determine what kind of vehicle you will need but also influence just how much maintenance the vehicle will need as well. Living in a snowy climate may mean you need a set of winter and summer tires, whereas living in a hot, dry climate means you’ll need to pay more attention to your fluids, hoses, and belts. After you define your needs and budget, it’s time to find dealers that carry vehicles you may want. Make your choice easier by picking from the gigantic selection of new and pre-owned Kia vehicles available here at Savage Kia, located in Reading, PA.

Research Time

Now that you have a solid idea of what your needs are and a clear budget in mind, it’s time to start researching what vehicles are available to you. Hop online and check out sites like Cars.com, KBB.com, or Autotrader.com to get a listing of all the vehicles in your area, with filters for makes, models, and features. The best option is to visit the website of local dealerships, like Savage Kia, so you can see the most up-to-date inventory information. During your research, be sure to check out consumer reviews and reports about the vehicle you have in mind. While everyone’s experiences and reviews are different, it is a great idea to at least see if there are any common experiences or trends shared amongst owners of the vehicle you like. Finding a vehicle and having a wealth of information about that vehicle has never been easier, so take advantage of it when searching for your next vehicle. Is a new Kia vehicle what you’re looking for? Take a look at our vast inventory of new Kia vehicles available online and in-store here at Savage Kia, located in Reading, PA.

Time for a Test Drive

After you decide on the perfect vehicle for you, get out there and take one for a test drive! Test driving a vehicle is one of the most important steps in a purchase, as it really gives you a taste of what owning that particular vehicle is like. While you’re test driving, make sure to get comfortable as if it was your vehicle, and drive a route similar to your daily commute for the best comparison. When you’re making a big purchase like this, it’s important to make sure the vehicle “fits” all aspects of your lifestyle. Certain dealerships may even allow you to drive the vehicle home for a short period of time, so you can see how it fits in your garage or parking space. Make choosing the perfect vehicle easier, test drive as many vehicles as you can before you decide on one. If you’re looking for a new or pre-owned Kia vehicle, shop here at Savage Kia and ask your sales professional about an extended test drive. Finding the perfect Kia vehicle is simple when you’re choosing from our huge inventory here at Savage Kia.

Figure Out Financing

Financing a vehicle tends to be when first-time car buyers get confused, as it can be a detail-heavy process. As a first-time car buyer, it’s important to not get flustered, just ask questions when you’re confused and remember the finance professional is there to help you. Keep in mind that you’re simply agreeing upon how much money you’re borrowing, and how quickly you’ll be paying it back, including interest. If you keep this in mind, financing is a lot less confusing as a first-time car buyer. If you have your eyes set on a new or pre-owned Kia vehicle here at Savage Kia, our in-house financing professionals will help you every step of the way. At Savage Kia, we work with a variety of auto lenders to make sure you get the best financing possible for your new Kia vehicle. Choose from the best selection of Kia vehicles, and the best lenders, only available here at Savage Kia in Reading, PA.

Drive Home Happy

The most important step in buying a car for the first time is to make sure you drive home happy. After all of your online research and in-person test drives, you should feel comfortable signing on the dotted line, knowing that not only are you getting the best deal but also the perfect vehicle for you. Unlike most purchases, you can’t return a vehicle, so ensuring that you love the vehicle before you sign is highly recommended. Guarantee that you’ll drive home a happy first-time car buyer, by purchasing your vehicle here at Savage Kia. At Savage Kia, we offer the widest selection of new and pre-owned Kia vehicles, a top-notch team of sales professionals, and the best financing options available in Reading, PA. There is no better place to be a first-time car buyer than at Savage Kia, located in Reading, PA.

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Jan 31, 2023 in Reading Kia Dealer

Savage Auto Group Sponsors Hometown Running Back

Source: @Nick.Singleton10/Instagram Savage Auto Group has announced that it will be sponsoring Penn State star running back and Reading native, Nick Singleton. Singleton, who attended nearby Governor Mifflin High School, is one of the nation’s top college football players and a future NFL star. Savage Auto Group will be working with Nick throughout his time at Penn State and during his journey to the NFL. This sponsorship is made possible thanks to recent changes to NCAA player name, image and likeness (NIL) rules. With these changes, businesses and communities throughout the United States are now able to provide invaluable support for their local athletes in chasing their dreams. For up-and-coming athletes like Nick Singleton, the support of local businesses and the community is crucial to ensuring success. That is why Savage Auto Group is proud to sponsor Nick and wishes him all the best on his road to the NFL.

Sep 14, 2022 in Reading Kia Dealer

Can You Spare a Tire, Friend?

Flat Tires are Deflating Stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire, you open your trunk and begin to look for the spare but wait a minute...it’s not there! Unfortunately, this is a common reality in the 2020s for all new vehicles as many new vehicles don’t come with a spare tire in the trunk anymore. You may be remembering times of the past in which a vehicle had a spare tire mounted in the trunk or underneath the vehicle and a small little jack to go with it. However those days — just like a vehicle’s spare tire — are gone. Nowadays modern vehicles tend to come with no spare and just a small can of flat tire repair gel. While it gets the job done, this isn’t the most desirable way to handle an unexpected flat tire. Nobody wants to spend time on the side of the road, at the mercy of the elements, all because of a flat tire. That’s why you need to carry a spare tire in your vehicle. Carrying a spare tire in your vehicle not only allows you to get back on the road quicker, but it provides peace of mind. There are a few different types of spare tires available on the market to suit every need, here’s a list of available types of spare tires. Full-Size Spare Sharing the same dimensions as the vehicle’s standard tire, a full-size spare is one of the most effective options for a spare tire there is. Unlike a temporary spare or “doughnut”, a full-size spare allows you to travel at regular speeds as if you never had a flat in the first place. Minimal downtime is one of the biggest upsides to a full-size spare, making it a great option for those who make a living on the road. Although the full-size spare offers plenty of benefits, there are some downsides as well. A full-size spare is heavy, which means it takes up more space — and consumes more fuel. This shouldn’t stop you from considering a full-size spare, but it should be something you take into consideration. If a full-size spare tire is the right option for you, call our parts professionals at Savage KIA today to order your full-size spare. Temporary Full-Size Spare While a true full-size spare is the most effective option, the drawback of it taking up so much space in the vehicle is something to consider. With that being said, if you don’t have the space for a full-size spare, a temporary full-size spare is a great alternative. A temporary full-size spare tire is just like your regular, full-size tire, but with smaller tread depth and less weight. This design saves space while remaining an effective spare tire option. A temporary full-size spare will allow you to safely drive to Savage KIA Service Center so you can get a new tire mounted and balanced on the car. A temporary full-size spare is a great option for those that carry a lot of cargo, or even those driving compact cars which don’t have a lot of room for a full-size spare. Compact Temporary Spare A compact temporary spare may not be the most effective option in terms of being able to drive on it for miles or at regular speeds. However, that doesn’t mean it’s completely ineffective or useless. With a compact temporary spare, you can travel a short distance at lower speeds in order to reach safety. The compact temporary spare is a bit smaller and narrower than a full-size spare but it’s still just as useful when you have an unexpected flat tire. These compact temporary spares or “doughnuts” tend to be the traditional spare tire most think of when they think of flat tire repair. If you want a spare that will function long enough to help you arrive at Savage KIA Service Center for a repair — opt for the compact temporary spare. Folding Temporary Spare: A folding temporary spare is a small spare tire, similar to the “doughnut” spare but it is even more compact. It can be deflated and folded for easy storage, making it a great option for those with limited cargo space. These spares do require inflation before usage, which is an important thing to keep in mind when selecting the right spare tire to keep on hand. While you may not be able to travel at regular speeds with this tire, you will be able to safely arrive at Savage KIA Service Center. Run-Flat Tires The most cutting-edge technology when it comes to spare tires is the Run-Flat spare tire. Run-Flat tires allow you to keep driving at regular speeds for up to 50 miles from the initial puncture. This incredible technology allows a driver to safely and effectively drive in almost any type of condition to reach their mechanic’s shop in the event of an unexpected flat tire. Run-Flats are one of the most expensive spare tire options, but also one of the most effective outside of carrying a full-size spare. Loving the sound of a Run-Flat tire? Then come on down to Savage KIA and have one of our parts professionals place your order today. Here at Savage KIA, we don’t just offer the best prices on our cars, we offer it on our parts as well. Let’s Get Rolling While flat tires are almost always unexpected and incredibly inconvenient, they are an inevitable part of owning a vehicle. Making sure you select the right kind of spare tire that fits all of your needs is a great way to help minimize the interference of an unexpected flat tire. Utilizing a spare tire properly can save you time, money and aggravation, that’s why it’s important to have one handy. The function of most spare tires is to help you get off the road and arrive safely at a service center like the one here at Savage KIA. Whether you want a set of Run-Flat tires or a temporary spare, the parts professionals here at Savage KIA can help. We offer the best selection of tires, spares and even Run-Flats — all at the best prices in Reading. Don’t end up stranded waiting for a tow truck to arrive, equip your vehicle with a spare tire from Savage KIA today.

Aug 12, 2022 in Reading Kia Dealer

5 Things to Remember When Driving an EV This Summer

Driving an EV on a sunny summer dayPlanning a fun road trip in your EV this summer? Then you’re going to want to read this! As an electric vehicle owner, you’re most likely calculating your battery’s range and planning the trip accordingly, so we put together some tips to help you out. While battery technology in EVs has made substantial progress in recent years, they aren’t without their shortcomings. One of the most glaring weaknesses is the reduced driving range electric vehicle owners experience in extreme temperatures. Although the hot summer weather may work to reduce your battery’s range, we’ve put together a list of tips that can help you get the most out of your battery. Before you head out on your summer journey, give this list of tips for summer EV driving a quick read — it’s sure to help! Driving Range While driving an electric vehicle in the summer, one of the most important things to remember is the difference in driving range. According to AAA, the driving range of an EV battery can be reduced by up to 17% in temperatures above 95º, which is a significant reduction in range. Due to this reduction in range, you should be paying close attention to your EV’s charge level during the summers to avoid any problems. If you’re looking for a way to keep your range where it needs to be during the summer, a good way to do so is to use less air conditioning. Opting to drive with the windows down can reduce the load on your EV’s batteries which will help you get the range you're accustomed to. It may seem crazy to opt out of using A/C in the summer, but when you’re spending less time at the charging station it all begins to make sense. Find Some Shade Keeping the interior of your car is always important in the summers, but when you own an EV its even more important. When you keep your EV cool, the batteries are able to function at peak capacity, providing the best range your car has to offer. However, if you’re parked in the middle of an open field on a sweltering hot day, chances are you’re directly reducing the amount of range your car’s batteries have. This is why we recommend always parking in shaded areas when possible. When you can’t park in a shaded area, the best thing you could do is use a windshield shade to keep the interior of your EV nice and cool. Whichever way you decide to keep your car cool, doing so is the best way to get the full range from your EV battery. Try Not to Fast Charge One of the most convenient ways to charge your electric vehicle is via rapid charging, however, this is also a great way to reduce the lifespan of its batteries. That is why we recommend skipping the fast charging station on hot summer days. While your EV is made and rated to handle fast charging, doing so as your sole means of charging is not the best way to elongate the life of your EV batteries. When you do opt to fast charge, try to do it sparingly, and preferably in a climate-controlled space. If you own a house with a garage, charging your EV in that enclosed space is a great way to get a full charge in a reasonable amount of time. Since your battery won’t have to fight against the elements, charging your battery in a garage or climate-controlled space reduced charging time rapidly. Precondition Your Cabin As we mentioned before, keeping your EV cool is one of the best ways to ensure you get the most range out of its battery. A great way to do it is by preconditioning your interior, which on most EVs is done by remote starting your vehicle. With preconditioning, you can run the air conditioning before you ever set foot in the vehicle, which not only makes it comfortable for you but also increases battery range. Most electric vehicles these days have a preconditioning or remote start feature, which makes life far easier during the summer. If you don’t have a preconditioning or remote start mode on your EV, you may be able to have an aftermarket remote starter installed which can function similarly to a built-in preconditioning mode. Travel Light A piece of advice that can be used year-round, traveling light is a fantastic way to get the most out of your EV battery. The more weight you have in your car, the harder its batteries have to work to get you going — effectively reducing the overall range. If you’re planning to hit the roads for a long trip this summer, make sure you’re traveling light in order to get the most out of your battery’s range. In the event that you can’t travel with minimal gear, we recommend having a pre-planned charging strategy so you’re never stranded. Visit Savage KIA Today Now that you’re an expert on driving an EV during the summer, it's time for you to get out there and enjoy it! If you don’t have an EV to enjoy your summer in, that’s okay! At Savage KIA we have a huge selection of new and used electric vehicles for you to choose from. If you’re not ready to make the jump to an EV, we have plenty of traditional cars, trucks and SUVs to choose from here at Savage KIA. Don’t want to overpay for your next electric vehicle, then you need to visit us at 2725 Centre Avenue today! Whether you’re looking for a great deal or great service, at Savage KIA you’re sure to find it.