Things To Look For When Purchasing Your First Car

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Things To Look For When Purchasing Your First Car

Once you have passed your driving test, it is time to get on the road. Although that might feel overwhelming and somewhat scary, it is a very exciting time. If you are not sharing a car with a family member or friend, then you will most likely be looking at purchasing your first car. For those on the market for their first-ever car, you have come to the right place as here is everything you need to know.

Explore all of the available options

Shopping for your first car is a lot easier for you than it was for your parents. The Internet offers a wealth of sellers beyond your local area (who may ship cars to your area, which may come with a fee), which can mean more choices in your price range. You can research and narrow down the choices by looking at online auto rankings in categories like safety or auto type, which is ideal whether you are looking at a family car or a ride within the small car range.

Set a budget

Setting a budget is the next step after looking at the options. You may have found some great deals, yet you need to assess whether you can afford them. You may look at getting a loan or paying outright. You need to be realistic as you will not want to spend all of your earnings on a car and its upkeep. Some cars may offer better insurance deals too, which is another factor to consider when deciding your budget. The insurance, tax, gas, services, and maintenance are all extra costs that you need to think about and ensure you can afford.

Need a loan?

Shopping for a car loan before shopping for a car may seem counterintuitive, but it’s useful. It gives you an idea of how much you can borrow (and at what interest rate), which means you don’t need to make financing decisions on the fly at the dealership. Start at your bank or credit union, then get quotes from other lenders to make sure you get the best rate.

Check the car over

If you are buying your first car, you may end up buying a second-hand one. It can be a good option for those who are not sure exactly what they want to invest a lot of money into, as second-hand cars are often cheaper. If you are purchasing from anyone other than a legitimate dealer, ensure to check the car over. As well as checking the exterior and overall appearance, check the mechanical parts. If anything is faulty you will be faced with another fee after paying for your car, which is not ideal. You may want to check its history and paperwork to avoid buying a car with a bad service history or has been involved in a theft.

Take a test drive

Finally, you will want to test drive your car. You will want to get a feel for it and ensure it is right for you. Once you’ve identified a few cars that might fit your needs and budget, take each for a test drive to see how you feel in it and how it performs. Try to drive all the cars you’re considering on the same day so you can easily compare them. It’s a good idea to call ahead to make appointments to structure the day—and it helps you gauge the customer service at each dealership.