There’s a moment where we need to take one of the most important decisions of our life: buy our first car; of course, is not an easy decision and shouldn’t be taken lightly, for that, if you are living this now and you wonder “What should I consider to buy my first car?”, well, you are lucky, because we are here to help you.
In today’s ride we will give you some tips to choose your first car and perform the best of decisions. Should I choose a car of the year or an older model? How much do I have to spend? Is it better a big or small car? Here we will help you to solve these and other questions that you may have. Ready? Let’s go.
What do I have to consider to buy my first car?
The first and most important tip is pretty simple: be patient, very patient.
The excitement of buying your first car can be your worst enemy, due anxiety and desperation of having your own car, can make you to take pressured decisions that you will regret later.
Yes, we know you want to drive and tour the city in your car, ride with your friends, family, partner, or simply and easily, go wherever you want. But, relax, don’t get too excited; we don’t want you to choose a car that is hard to drive, a car out of your budget or that will give you more problems than benefits.
So, relax, think very deeply and, consider the following tips:
How much money do you have and how much are you able to pay?
A car is not a single pay investment, due this generates constant and daily expenses. For that, you must establish a clear and real budget, but, “how much do I have to spend in my first car?”
Consider the money that you have to buy the car (or the one to borrow) but also, keep in mind that the procedures to perform in the future might be more or less expensive, depending on the model and type of car to choose.
Possession, replacement parts, plates, insurance, and others. Everything counts! So, think how much will make you spend that car, not only what will cost you at the moment. But is also important to consider the time to pay it, if you will pay in installments and not in cash.
A new or a used car?
Once you have a real budget that is also consistent with your possibilities, ask yourself if is worth it a new car or a used car?
Consider that it will be your first car, for that, if you previously had enough experience to drive, it might be better to acquire a car of older models while becoming an expert.
In addition, if you don’t have your license yet, is recommendable to take driving lessons, so you can easily drive your own car.
Look for financing options
Regularly, when you buy a used car or a car that already had many owners, by being cheaper than dealership ones, are usually paid in cash. But, if your idea is acquiring a new car from a dealership, and you will pay it by installments, is essential to look for financing options.
Check with several lenders their interest rates, loan terms, facilities and more. Consult the pre-approved credits, so, these will give you a clearer idea of the available money you will have to spend.
As we mentioned, consider that besides the monthly payments, every certain time you will have to spend in gas, repairs, insurance payment and others.
Choose the car that you need, not the one that you believe you need.
“My first car should be the car that I want?” Yes and no. Depends on your possibilities, but, also of your needs.
If you have the budget and everything to cost the car that you want, do it. On the other hand, it will be hard for you to pay it and maintain it, what you should keep in mind are your needs and what is the car that fulfills them.
Do you need a car to ride or to work? The car will transport you or a whole family? Do you prefer durability or power? Do you need a fast or convenient car? Organize your needs, prioritize them and research what is the car that can solve them.
Compare
Once you have cleared your needs and the idea of the car that could fulfill them, never stay with the first either unique option you are offered. Take into consideration your budget and compare in many dealerships or wherever you are planning to acquire it.
Don’t take rushed decisions, take you time, research and compare costs, models and functionality. An extra tip, if you buy a second-hand car, ask the owner for the documentation and see if is in order.
“With all this information… Am I ready to buy my first car?” Sure, you already have the most important tips. However, is also recommended to assess with family and friends who already have two or more cars, due their experience with certain models can also guide you about which is better for you.
And remember, once you are behind the wheel, follow and respect all the rules and road signs. Always wear your safety belt and drive responsibly.
