Car Buying Advice for New Drivers

Car buying advice when you’re just starting out can be invaluable, especially if you don’t have an experienced person to guide you. We’re talking about a purchase that can run $30,000 on average.

It’s not something you do on a wing and a prayer. In this article, we give you the car buying advice we wish we’d known earlier. Start your engines!

Set Your Budget

The amount of money you should budget for a good first car depends on a number of factors. If you are planning to buy a brand new car, you will need to factor in the cost of the vehicle, as well as insurance, taxes, and registration fees.

Considering a used car instead? Budget for the cost of the vehicle, repairs, and maintenance. In addition, you will need to factor in the cost of gas and parking.

As a general rule of thumb, you should budget at least $10,000 for a brand new car, or $5,000 for a used car. That likely will not cover the full cost. It will, however, give you a solid down payment. And a solid down payment means financing less overall.

One more thing. If you are willing to sacrifice some features or amenities, you may be able to find a reliable car for less. For example, you could buy a car with fewer features and save money on the purchase price as well as on insurance costs. We’ll get into insurance more in a moment.

Choose Protection Over Price

When you are buying your first new car, it is important to deal with a reputable dealer. This is because if you buy a car from an unreliable source, you may end up with a vehicle that is not roadworthy.

In addition, you may also be sold a car that has been in an accident or has other hidden damage. As a result, you could end up paying more for repairs than the car is actually worth.

Take a look at the selection of cars on the lot. A reputable dealer will typically have a good mix of new and used vehicles, from a variety of manufacturers.

Also, ask around for recommendations from friends or family members who have recently purchased a car. Finally, be sure to read online reviews before making your decision. By taking these steps, you can be confident that you’re dealing with a reputable car dealer.

Access the CARFAX Report

A CARFAX report is a history of a vehicle’s maintenance, repair, and ownership. It’s important to read a CARFAX report before moving forward with the purchase of a specific vehicle. That’s because it can reveal potential problems that may not be apparent during a test drive.

For example, a CARFAX report may reveal that a car has been in an accident or has been recalled for repairs. Similarly, a CARFAX report can provide valuable information about a vehicle’s maintenance history, such as whether it has been regularly serviced and how many miles it has been driven.

Ultimately, a CARFAX report can give you peace of mind by helping you to make an informed decision about a used car make and model. You can get a CARFAX report for free by visiting the CARFAX website.

Target Special Promotions

Many first-time drivers assume that they will have to pay top dollar in order to get a quality vehicle when buying a new or used car. This is not always the case.

There are a number of special promotions and deals that can help to make buying a new or used car more affordable. One great way to find these deals is to check with local dealerships.

Many times, they will offer special discounts or incentives for first-time buyers. Fourth of July, tax season, and the holidays are all great times to look.

Another option is to look for online promotions. A quick search on the internet can often yield a number of results for special deals on new and used cars.

If you end up buying from another state, there are a few additional factors that you will need to take into account. For example, consider the cost of registration and taxes. These costs can vary significantly from state to state.

Finally, always be sure to ask about any hidden fees before signing paperwork. By taking the time to research your options and target special promotions, you can save a lot of money on your next car purchase.

Shop For Insurance

One way to reduce the cost of car insurance for first-time drivers is to shop around and compare rates from different insurers. Take advantage of any discounts that may be available, such as those for good students or for completing a driver’s education course.

Another way to keep costs down is to choose a car that is less expensive to insure. In general, smaller and less powerful vehicles are cheaper to insure than larger and more powerful ones.

Finally, remember that the best way to keep insurance costs low is to avoid accidents and traffic violations. By driving safely and obeying the rules of the road, first-time drivers can help keep their premiums low.

Get Internal and External Inspections

First-time drivers must get inspections whether buying used or new. Look at factors on the inside and outside of the vehicle that might affect safety and performance.

On the outside, check for dents, scratches, and cracks in the windshield. Make sure the tires are in good condition and properly inflated. Also, check the headlights, taillights, and turn signals to ensure they are working properly.

Inside the car, check the seats and belts to make sure they are secure and there are no rips or tears. Also, make sure all the gauges on the dashboard are working properly. The inspection should also include a test drive to ensure the car is running smoothly.

Don’t let the TLC end there either. Consider getting the car detailed (or asking that it be at no charge to you). If you do take this on yourself, you can check out a nice selection of equipment on the Mytee extractor collections page.

This Car Buying Advice Will Make Your First Experience A Great One

We hope the car buying advice presented here will allow you to buy with confidence and avoid scams and hazards. It can be a jungle out there, but focusing on these factors will ensure you’re ready to get the best car at the best price. For more automotive articles and info, check out some of our additional posts!