Whether you are a fresh graduate who has landed a first job or just simply someone who has the opportunity to buy a car, the process is never as nerve-racking as it is the first time. Buying a first car is far from easy, but is an unofficial rite of passage that ultimately grants you a great deal of experience. Although we may never find out who was the lucky tech college graduate who bought Karl Benz’s first production car, you can read these six tips to help you with the process.
This is primarily based on how much can you leave aside per month. In an ideal scenario you will be paying cash, but if you are considering a new car, the price will often require a certain aspect of financing. Determine your living costs by putting all the essentials like shelter, food, health insurance and social life in the first place. What remains is the amount you can spend on monthly payments, fuel, insurance and maintenance.
This is where you need to face the stark reality. A Mini John Cooper or Audi S1 are mean little speeders, but ask yourself if they are going to be useful as your daily, all-round means of transport. On the other hand, you might like a minivan or a SUV for its spaciousness and ability to pack all your stuff, but how often do you have to move everything you own? Consider the cost of fuel, registration fees and monthly parking, and buy only what you need.
On the contrary to the previous tip, the first purchase doesn’t need to be the ultimate and absolutely the best car for you by all standards. On the other hand, you should make a want list, as you won’t be buying a new car every two years. It is better to pay more for the features that will make you happy, than to be sorry before you’ve emptied the first tank of petrol. If what you want costs $40 per month more, go for it and skip a couple of happy hours.
The fact that you are reading this points out that you’ve already started the research. Today, there is an amazing amount of information and insight on both new cars and the late models. With such a huge offer, it is often easiest (and in many cases best) to trust your gut instinct or the gut instinct of someone you trust. If you run into someone who is driving a car you want, don’t be shy to ask about their experience. In addition, you need to go deeper when it comes to analyzing the car you want, from checking whether it has quality Walbro 460 fuel pump or if the breaks belong to the latest series. Knowing your way around car parts can make a huge difference when it comes to making a good purchase.
Despite all the misgivings and anxiety, most salespersons on showrooms are just normal people who are good at selling good stuff. The dishonest ones mostly end up selling something less valuable. Although the new and late-model cars have never been more reliable, they still need attention. Let the showroom environment be your guidance and steer away from dealerships where two-thirds of the staff are idling around.
Even with all online sources, nothing beats the old fashioned test drive. The seating position, accelerator responsiveness, visibility, layout of controls, and many more variables that make the ‘feel behind the wheel’ are the most important for the decision process. Take it for at least half an hour spin and see what works for you. Note that high performance tyres enhance the cars ability to grip the road and make hard corners.
Low financing rates and hundreds of great cars in every niche to choose from make your options better than ever before. Although it might seem like an ordeal, the process of buying a car is a unique experience with a rewarding outcome.
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