The impetus behind crafting this car buying guide for first time car buyers is pretty simple. I myself was recently a first time car buyer, and I wondered how normal people, you know, the kind that don’t write for car blogs, make their check list for buying new cars.
Because like all other notable firsts, like first kisses and first days of college, often one is lost and fumbles awkwardly around. I hope that maybe I can spare you from the time wasting (and nickname-making) novice mistakes that befall a person doing something for the first time. Read through this car buying guide and don’t be a stubborn teenager – learn from my mistakes!
Shop Around For A Loan – It may sound like a no-brainer, but my very first tip in this car buying guide is to shop around thoroughly before choosing a loan. Shop around like a fashionista in a TJ Maxx, and no matter what your credit is like, make sure you don’t just assume that the first APR offered is the best. Often times, credit unions and small banks can give you even better rates, especially now when they’re looking to make more loans, so be persistent!
Assess Your Needs – Do you have a family? Make a horrendous commute both ways each day? Want to show off your brand new baller paycheck from your baller new job? Each of those is an obviously different motivation and set of needs, and your car choice should reflect those. Car buying guide tip number two is to be honest about what you want – if it’s speed, then configure yourself a powerfully ferocious muscle car. Be honest; you’ll be much better equipped to find something that meets your needs – no shame in your game.
Time Yourself – Unless you have a reeeeally good reason for needing to move swiftly (like, say, your car dies unexpectedly and you’re driving a rental), make sure you allot at least a month to research and test drive. Keep in mind that some months are better than others to buy, for example, December tends to be a busy month for all dealerships. Obviously that’s their closeout month, and if you time it right, you can get a great deal on that year’s model. Rushed buyers make panic decisions, so car buying guide says don’t make yourself an easy target by getting that wild look in your eyes. Keep calm and test drive on.
Stay Focused – If you don’t have a clear, strong focus, then this hunting and buying process can really derail your magpie look-at-that-shiny-toy brain. Because so many cars have incredible, technologically forward new features, that if you attempt to explore them all, you will spend all of your time sitting in the driver’s seats and making vroom vroom noises with your mouth. Car buying guide says narrow it down to a few models before you go seeking your dream car.
Get Some Advice – People always tell you to do this, but seriously, do it. Ask around, see who’s had a great first car buying experience and who hasn’t – and let them tell you why. Not only will you hear some colossally hilarious stories, you’ll also learn who, and what behavior, to avoid. Experience is priceless, let the car buying guide at least teach you that.
