Your first car will provide the freedom you have never experienced. No longer will you need to rely on mom or dad for a ride, and the days of hopping onto a bus or into a cab will be behind you.
While you’re likely excited to sit behind the wheel of your first car, you also will not want to make a mistake that could impact your lifestyle and finances. So, choose wisely by checking out these five top tips to read before buying your first car.
1. Establish a Budget
While you might have your heart set on the latest Tesla or Mercedes, it could be out of your price range. So, before you start dreaming of high-performing vehicles, you must establish a budget for your first car. Both buying and running a car can cost a substantial sum, which is why you must factor gas prices, insurance, and potential maintenance fees into your budget.
2. Secure a Bargain at an Online Auction
Don’t head to your nearest dealer to buy a brand-new car, as it will depreciate as soon as you drive it away. Instead, you could find a dependable, affordable vehicle from a repo car auction online. You can make an offer on a vehicle and, if it isn’t exceeded before the closing date, you will win the bid and receive the keys to your first car. So, you have nothing to lose and a dependable, low-cost car to gain.
3. Choose the Right Vehicle for Your Lifestyle
Your lifestyle should determine the car you choose. Cars tend to fall into one of the following categories:
- Hatchback
- Estate
- Saloon
- SUV
- Sports car
- People carriers
If you are a young driver, you may not need a car that requires much space. If so, a hatchback might be an ideal choice for your budget and needs. Many new drivers buy a hatchback, as it is small, affordable to run, and efficient. However, if you have a family, an estate car or SUV might be a better choice for your needs.
4. Research Your Desired Car
Research a car before committing to a purchase. Read various reviews about its performance, features, and reliability to avoid making a decision you will regret. Finally, to reduce your carbon footprint as much as possible, you can find more information on a car’s fuel economy on the US Department of Energy’s website.
5. Check the Vehicle Before Buying
Never buy a car without checking it matches the description and confirm it is roadworthy. For example, you must check its:
- Oil
- Tires
- Engine
- Mileage
- Listed gadgets
- General condition
Also, request to take the car for a test drive to ensure it drives well and has no noticeable mechanical faults. It will ensure you are 100% happy with a decision and may prevent expensive repairs after receiving the keys.
