Whether you’re a fresh graduate starting your first real job or someone other than the conventional first-time vehicle buyer, the auto-buying process is never as inherently uncertain as it is the first time. But, no matter how much we love our high school hand-me-down or skateboard, we must eventually let go. It’s not easy to be a good first-time car buyer, but if it’s worth doing — and it is — it’s worth doing well.
1. Establish a Realistic Budget
Buying a car can be an incredibly exciting experience. Everything from the test drives to the test-n-talks can be an adrenaline rush, and the shiny new car smell can cause one to lose all sense of reason. The single most important thing you can do as a first-time car buyer is to establish a realistic budget well before you start the car-buying process (you can always make it a little bit fancier if you have a few adjustment dollars to spare).
There are many different factors to consider when choosing a budget, and the best method you’ll have to find the most realistic number is to keep a log of expenses. If you want to really be precise, keep a log of expenses for six months at least. Once you’ve established a realistic budget, start looking for a car that will fit into your budget.
2. Explore Your Financing Options
Choosing a car is one thing, but choosing a way to finance it is another. There are many different financing options available, and the right one for you will depend entirely on your personal situation. A personal loan is a good option if you already have a good credit score, a credit card that has a low APR, or a substantial amount of cash. A bank or a credit union are good alternatives, and a bank may be preferable if you have a large deposit.
A car dealership often has the best financing options available, but you should check different sources as well since a dealership may not offer the best deal. To check for the best deal, you can check interest rates using a website such as Bankrate.com or CreditCards.com.
3. Find a Nearby Car Dealership
An essential step to buying a car is finding a good car dealership. There is no “best place” to buy a car, but there are a few things that you should take into consideration while looking for a dealership. The most important thing is the car you want. Research what cars are available in your area. Don’t be afraid to compare prices as well.
Find a place that has the car you want at the right price. A good dealership also offers a variety of financing options and has a solid return policy (in the event that the car doesn’t turn out to be what you expected). The last thing you want is to find a great car only to find a dealership that doesn’t have the right financing option.
4. Take It for a Test Drive
A car is a big investment, and you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a car that isn’t what you expected. One of the best ways to see how a car performs is a test drive. A test drive is also important to find out if you really like the car, or if it’s just the way it’s been described to you. Before you take a car for a test drive, you need to find out if it’s available, and the car needs to be in your price range (remember, a test drive is a good way to find out if you can afford the car). When you finally do get a chance to take the car out, you’ll want to try it out on the highway and find out about the gas mileage, but you should also take it in the rain, around corners, and just to find out what it’s like to drive.
5. Get Insurance Quotes
There are many different things to consider when choosing a car insurance policy. Many people skip this step altogether, but with the right insurance policy, you can get a certain car for a certain price. There are many different things to consider when choosing a car insurance policy. Many people skip this step altogether, but with the right insurance policy, you can get a certain car for a certain price.
Conclusion
Buying a car for the first time is a big deal, but with all the options out there, it’s within reach for just about anyone with little research, patience, and perseverance.
If you want to find the best car prices from a dealership that can take care of you and your automotive needs, look no further than AroGill Auto! With over 20 years of experience in the business, our auto dealership in Burnaby offers a wide range of financing options and a 100% customer-oriented service for a hassle-free experience. Check out our special deals and drive home your first ride today!