Sponsored article by Webster Auto Sales
Choosing your first car is a very important decision to make because aside from the financial investment it’ll require from you, this purchase will also require a lot of time and effort. There are countless cars available in the market today – each having its unique features and prices – and as a car buyer, you need to thoroughly research all of these to know the best car for your needs.
Choosing your first car is tough, but it can always be done. As long as you know which factors to consider and what to do in choosing, this task can come off easier. If you’re planning to buy a car in Webster, New York or anywhere else in the world anytime soon, consider these tips:
1. Set Your Budget And Make Sure That You Stick It
Before you click here and start looking for the car of your dreams, it’s important to set your budget first. This is especially important if you have a shoestring budget or plan to rely on loans to afford a car.
A general rule of thumb to follow when choosing your first car is to stick to a model that doesn’t cost more than 20% of your take-home annual salary. For example, if you earn $65,000 every year, your maximum budget for your first car should be $13,000 or less. Although it can be tempting to spend more than this amount, make sure that you don’t do it. Stick to your set budget to ensure that your purchase will provide convenience, not create a lifelong of debts and financial stress.
2. Determine What’s Important To You
With the advent of technology and the number of innovations being introduced to the automobile industry, one can easily feel overwhelmed with the number of options available. Should you prioritize looking for a car that comes with built-in entertainment systems? Or should you start looking for a model with the most advanced security features? The answers to these questions heavily rely on your lifestyle and how you’re planning to use your first car.
To help you easily narrow down your search, determine what features are important to you. If you often travel with your family and kids, an SUV with high-tech safety features might be appropriate. If you’re eyeing to use your car for commuting every day to and from work, it’s best if you look for a car with excellent gas mileage.
3. Compare All Of Your Available Options
Choosing your car can be a very exciting experience. You might have saved a lot of money for years or worked hard to maintain your good credit score in order to qualify for an auto loan, and finally achieving all of these goals are important milestones. However, when visiting car dealerships to look for the car of your dreams, it’s important to focus and avoid being overwhelmed. Do not immediately buy the first car dealerships you visit; instead, take your time to compare several car dealerships.
Now that you have an idea of the budget and features of the car you want to own, it’ll be easier for you to check the model in person. You can walk into a car dealership, inquire from the salesperson if they have the car you’re looking for, and then study their prices and other offers.
During this process, make sure to ask as many questions as you can to the salesperson. Aside from the price of the car, what else will you have to pay? What is the interest rate of their financing options? Do they offer freebies or free car insurance? Consider all of these things before you choose a car dealership and never get into an agreement that you’re unsure of.
4. Take It For A Spin
Different people look for different things in a car. While some want to have a spacious vehicle to fit their large family, others are looking for a car that comes with a powerful engine that purrs on the highway. For you to end up choosing a car that meets your expectations, don’t forget to take the car you’re eyeing to buy for a test drive. This will allow you to experience the car first hand and assess if it’s the one you’re looking for.
When test driving, assess if you’re comfortable behind the steering wheel and if the car offers the space you need when traveling. Don’t hesitate to walk out from a car dealership if you realize that the car you wanted to buy turns out to be different in person.
Start Your Search Early
For you to end up buying the car of your dreams, make sure that you spend a lot of time choosing. It’ll be easier for you to scout several car dealerships and compare their offers if time is on your hands. Starting your search early will prevent you from making rash decisions that will likely lead to regrets.
