Are you purchasing your first car? A car purchase is one of the most significant investments you will make in your life, so it is best to consider your decision carefully before signing that contract.
There are thousands of cars for sale out there, so it is vital to find the car that suits your needs best and is within your budget.
The car-buying process can be overwhelming and confusing for first-timers, but you don’t have to worry. This article will run you through the essential steps when choosing the best car for you.
Consider What You Need
Your car needs to be able to accommodate your specific needs. Here are some factors you may want to consider:
- Number of passengers you will be accommodating regularly
- Length of your commute
- Terrain and conditions you will be driving in
- Cargo capacity you need
- Your parking or garage space
- Safety features you need
- Child car seat requirements
Set a Budget
You can either pay for your car in cash or consider financing options. Consider the amount of money you can dedicate to monthly car payments. Ideally, these payments should not be more than 15 percent of your overall monthly income.
If you are leasing your car, the payments should be within 10 percent of your overall income. You will also need to allocate an amount for insurance, fuel expenses, and maintenance.
Decide Whether You Are Leasing or Buying
Leasing and buying both come with their own sets of pros and cons. You may want to consider which one suits your situation best.
Leasing
Pros:
- Lower down payments and monthly payments
- You can drive more expensive cars for a lower amount of money
- You can change cars every few years
- Factory warranty will cover most car repairs
Cons:
- You only have the car for as long as the lease lasts, and you will have to go through the leasing process again once it’s over
Buying
Pros:
- You have the option to sell the car
- You can make modifications to the car
- You don’t need to worry about mileage penalties
- Lower long-term expenses if you pay off your loan and keep the car for a few years
Cons:
- Higher upfront and periodic payments
Make a List
Once you have the features you need, you can create a list of cars that fit these needs. Online tools allow you to search and make a list of vehicles that fit these parameters. They can also give you other detailed information such as features, specifications, and pricing.
Check the Available Cars in Your Area
Once you have your list of potential cars, you can check out your local dealership for their availability. Get quotations from multiple car dealerships near you because car prices can differ from one dealership to another.
Schedule a Test Drive
When you are ready to make the deal, you can arrange and schedule a test drive at your chosen dealership. You can test at least four different vehicles, so you don’t limit your options.
Make That Decision
That test drive should help you have a clear winner in mind. If you cannot decide on the day, you can take a few days to think things through before making that final decision.
You can also check out more cars if none of the cars you tested seem like the perfect match. It is best to rethink your options before making a deal you will regret.
Conclusion
Purchasing your first car can be overwhelming and confusing, but it doesn’t have to be! Take your time when considering your options so that you don’t end up with a deal you will regret.
Are you looking for car dealerships in Brentwood to help you make your first car purchase? We at Lewis Motor Sales offer you a vast collection of used cars ideal if you are looking for a quality car at a lower price. Head on to our website to learn more!