What you should consider as a first time car buyer
As a first time car buyer, you likely can’t wait to get your new vehicle on the road. You’re sick of taking the public transportation or relying on friends to drive you around. You want to be come fully independent. You want to have your own set of wheels. You’re just a bit nervous about buying your first car. Here are some things to keep in mind when making your big purchase.
Your car insurance situation
What will you do for auto insurance? Have you looked at quotes to see where you stand?
Before you fall in love with the perfect car, it’s important that you find out how much you can afford in terms of insurance. Insurance companies consider many factors when they give you a quote (your driving history, driving record, where you live, and so on), but one of the most important factors will always be the type of car that you choose to buy.
Buying used vs brand new
Will you be buying a used vehicle or something new?
There are many pros and cons to both options. You need to consider the costs, what you’re looking for, and what the insurance will be like. New tends to come with fewer hassles, but used is, of course, cheaper. It really comes down to your budget and how willing you are to risk potential repaird for a used model.
What you need the car for
Why do you need this car? As a first time car buyer it’s important to determine why you want this car. You're going to find yourself with a new set of expenses (maintenance, parking, insurance, car washes, and fuel), so make sure that you truly need this car at this moment in your life. If the practicality of it doesn't match up with the ideal, it may be best to reconsider.
Making this consideration will also help you decide on the features you require. Some might be perfect for your situation, while others will be completely uselss.
Be willing to negotiate
They say that you should never accept the price on the window. You should always try to negotiate for a lower price and additional upgrades. It also helps if you have multiple options and are ready to walk away at any moment. That means shopping around and comparing prices. This will help you find the lowest option, plus give you leverage against competing dealerships.
Always go for a test drive and know the facts
It doesn’t matter if you’re buying used or new, you should always go for a test drive. You should also go over the contract and look into everything you can find out about the car so that you don’t get stuck with the raw end of the deal.
It’s an exciting time in your life as you look for a new car. When you finally get on the road, you’re going to love the fact that you no longer have to deal with a long commute on public transit to get around.