For most people, the thought of buying a car for the first time triggers a great deal of excitement. There’s nothing like driving home from the dealership in a new ride. However, vehicle shopping can also cause newbies to experience a bit of fear. Here are eight ways to not be intimidated when buying your first car.
1- Do Your Homework in Advance
If you want to lower your anxiety levels, do some homework ahead of time. You’ll then be far more confident when you arrive at the car dealership. Fortunately, the internet makes it easy for car shoppers to research a vehicle from home. Some of the facts you need to know include the car’s gas mileage, estimated cost of yearly maintenance, interior space, and predicted reliability.
2- Set a Realistic Budget
Before you even decide on a list of vehicles to test drive, be sure to first set a budget. Ideally, the cost of your monthly car payment should never exceed 20 percent of your monthly earnings. You definitely don’t want the purchase of a vehicle to put you in a tough spot financially.
3- Apply for Financing
Most drivers are unlikely to pay cash for a brand-new car. There’s a good chance they’ll be using a loan to finance the purchase. To reduce stress, apply for financing beforehand. Most dealerships only require you to fill out a simple online financing application. Remember, your credit score can significantly influence a car loan’s interest rate.
4- Be Prepared to Ask Questions
Have some questions in mind to ask the salesperson. It’s certainly important to find out the actual cost of the vehicle. The sales tax, state licensing fee, and documentation fee should all be included. You should also inquire about the key advantages of buying one specific trim level over the next.
5- Consider a Pre-Owned Vehicle
While buying a brand-new vehicle has plenty of upsides, don’t rule out a used one. Reputable dealerships thoroughly inspect used vehicles for problems before displaying them for sale. To no surprise, pre-owned automobiles have a lower price tag. They are cheaper to insure as well. On the other hand, brand-new cars benefit from a longer warranty.
6- Bring Along Someone With Experience
Bringing along an experienced companion can make your car-shopping experience less intimidating. While you will ultimately be the one making the final decision, there’s nothing wrong with seeking advice from someone who’s more familiar with the process of buying a vehicle.
7- Be Prepared to Walk Away
Never feel pressured to purchase a particular car. If you genuinely don’t like the vehicle or think its price is too steep, don’t be afraid to walk away from the deal. In the long run, this can prevent you from experiencing buyer’s remorse.
8- Take a Thorough Test Drive
A test drive is one important aspect of buying a car. When behind the wheel, don’t allow anyone to distract you from the task at hand. Pay attention to the car’s driving dynamics, comfort, and overall feel.
Published by: Josh Tatunay
