By Mashum Mollah
Buying your first car comes with an exciting experience despite how confusing it can be.
You have to manage a lot, starting from planning to get the best car.
You need to ask yourself questions such as, do you need automatic or manual?
Should you get a diesel or petrol car?
Answering these questions can be overwhelming. Here are some tips you need to consider before getting your first car.
Create a Budget:
As you figure out your budget, consider features such as your savings, debts, and your income. You cannot wake up one day and decide to buy a car without proper budgeting. With a budget, you can map out how much you can afford on a car.
A budget should give you a clear picture of whether you can afford to pay your car outright or you need to come up with a financial plan.
You can afford to pay outright if you’ve some good cash in your bank account. You can also borrow to make payments, but only if you’ve regular income.
A car loan comes with a huge responsibility; therefore, you’ve to do thorough research and make a budget to accommodate your repayments.
Creating a realistic budget is the first crucial step. Think about your savings, income, and any existing debts. Your budget should also factor in the cost of insurance, maintenance, and potential financing options.
If you plan to take out a loan, make sure your monthly payments fit comfortably into your overall financial plan. Tools like online car loan calculators can help you get an idea of what you can afford.
Consider Buying Used Car:
You should be able to know which car to buy between a new and used car. Preferably, go for the used car. There’s no bias ness here. It’s the plain truth. Used cars come at a more economical price than new cars. You don’t need something expensive when starting.
With the used cars, you have various options you can choose from, meaning that you can get a car of your choice at a better price.
You’re paying for the car that has already depreciated with the used car, meaning that you won’t pay for the inflation price, unlike new cars, which depreciates quickly, meaning you’ll have to pay more.
Yes, you may be tempted by the appeal of a new car, but don’t dismiss the used car market. Used cars are often more affordable and have already gone through their major depreciation.
There are plenty of reliable pre-owned vehicles out there that offer great value for your money. Take the time to research models that are known for longevity and low repair costs. Websites and comparison tools can help you make an informed decision.
Yes, you may be tempted by the appeal of a new car, but don’t dismiss the used car market. Used cars are often more affordable and have already gone through their major depreciation.
There are plenty of reliable pre-owned vehicles out there that offer great value for your money. Take the time to research models that are known for longevity and low repair costs. Websites and comparison tools can help you make an informed decision.
Consider Ongoing Costs
It’s easy to focus on the initial cost of the car, but you should also consider ongoing expenses like fuel, maintenance, and insurance. Different models can vary greatly in these areas, so it’s important to factor these into your decision-making process.
For instance, automatic cars might offer more convenience but can be pricier to maintain than manual ones. Similarly, diesel cars might have better fuel economy, but they can come with higher taxes or fees.
Ensure You Explore Various Options:
Nowadays, buying your first is a lot much easier than in the past. There are various internet platforms where you can connect with car sellers beyond your local area and make shipments, and have your car delivered to your doorstep.
Websites such as car comparison by WhichCar offer a variety of cars that are both new and used. They offer the latest car designs that are available in the market.
However, the shipment comes with a fee. You can base your online research on auto rankings such as SUVs and hybrids.
Also, ensure the new car dealers quote you with price when you opt for a new car, but if you’re looking for used cars, check the car’s history, including accidents.
Don’t Forget to Take a Test Drive:
After you’ve identified your preferred cars and be sure they can fit in your budget, the next step is to take each of them for a test drive. This enables you to know how the car feels and performs.
Take all your car choices for a test drive on the same day so that you can easily compare them. Make an appointment with your dealer to restructure the day. This can also help you gauge the customer service of the various dealerships.
Set Your Priorities
Buying your first car can be exciting, but it’s important to set clear priorities. Consider what you really need from your vehicle. Is fuel efficiency a priority because you’ll be commuting long distances?
Do you need extra space for family or hobbies? These questions will help narrow your options and focus on cars that meet your needs, not just your wants.
Final Verdict:
With the various options of cars available in the market, both new and used, it’s indeed very easy to start your driving journey without hindrance, as long as you have a clear budget, you know your needs, and you have some source of income.
Nothing can stop you from enjoying your first ride as you aim higher.
