Shopping for Your First Car Do’s and Don’ts

There is so much to consider before purchasing your first car. Of course, whether you can afford a car note should be your first consideration, but there are many more things to think about. A great place to begin won’t cost anything but, the time you spend searching the top auto websites will save time and help you come up with a shortlist of where to find that first ride.

Once you’re ready to take the plunge, here are some do’s and don’ts that will make your car buying experience the best possible.

Don’t be Afraid to Negotiate

If the car you’re looking at seems too good to be true, it’s time to reconsider it. If you’re feeling pressured by the dealer to purchase before you even have a test drive, the likelihood is you’ve just bought the lemon of the car world. Avoid these situations at all costs. Remember you have rights and ask for the paperwork from the salesperson. They must verify the car is what they say it is, and you should feel comfortable with the drive.

Don’t expect to keep your first car for life. As with all investments, you must have an endgame. It is unlikely that your first car will be a collector’s item, meaning you must have some method of obtaining your next ride. If your first car is still serving its purpose, however, a good plan would be to list it for sale or trade.

Know your Budget

A vehicle lease calculator can be a useful tool. If you can’t lease or can’t afford a new car outright, you may have to stick with the first car you find. Either way, work out how much money you can afford to spend on car repairs, car payments, insurance and gas. Be realistic about how much you can afford to pay per month. PNB Parivar. Check for any negative attributes. You don’t want cars that are dangerous to drive or impractical to drive. One of the things we don’t want is a car that’s going to break down on us or is going to require us to spend extra on repairs. Check for a warranty and look at how long the manufacturer warranties their cars for. Do a comparison.

Don’t Make a Rash Decision

Some car enthusiasts try to decide between an Audi S5 or BMW M3 the minute they see it. But no matter how good or how bad the car is, they decide at the first sight. This is because you never really know the full implications of buying a car. You need to try out many cars before you settle on one. Don’t go by what the Internet or other reviewers say. Don’t base your car buying decision on the Internet. Some cars only show up on online car websites while some cars even show up on websites with no information on them. Don’t get swayed by such details and go by what feels right. This is especially true in cases where the car doesn’t exist, and you will have to drive around in a virtual car. Consider your vehicle needs and never buy a car just for the sake of it.

Don’t Buy a New Car Unless You Absolutely Have To

We’re all allowed to make mistakes in life, but your first car shouldn’t be one of them. Before you get ready to make the purchase, we recommend not getting a loan or handing over a wad of cash that you’re not sure you’ll be able to repay, and definitely don’t take out a large auto loan. Save your money. Sell the car you have now for any price. Next, and this is totally free, let all of your loyal friends, family and coworkers know where you’re looking.

Research  the Car’s History

Be wary of that new car smell. Is it a scent that could tell you a lot about the vehicle? Many new car dealerships call this the “new car smell.” The truth is, that’s a chemical smell that exists in so many vehicles. Look out for the scent that comes out of the hood. A hot engine or more leaks from a quick-shifting transmission could all be signs of a car that isn’t in the best condition. Make sure you ask how many years and where the car has been, as a new car could be the last thing you want to take home with you. Do take a look at the engine. Did the seller mention an old engine issue with the car? Car engines come with so many issues. Has the engine oil been changed recently? Has the car been given a tune-up? What else should be checked? If you are in California, make sure to read up on California’s Lemon Law to make sure you – as a consumer – are protected.

Conclusion

With these pointers in tow, you should be able to discover the best values for your first car and buy the perfect ride without dipping too much into your savings.