8 Tips to Getting the Best First Car
The three best tips for buying a car, new or old, are: Research, Research, Research. This article will consider what you can expect for your money and provide tips on choosing the best automobile.
Buying your first car is a difficult decision. There is a huge amount to think about; price, insurance, value, history, condition, and all of this has to fit within a specific budget.
For many of us, buying a car will be the first real financial responsibility that we take on so it is really important to do the leg work to make sure you get the best deal. For many young people the most important factor actually becomes the look of the car rather than its performance. This is understandable but it is often a mistake.
The three best tips for buying a car, new or old, are: Research, Research, Research. No matter whether you are looking for a Holden with a UTE Toolbox or a Sylvia (like the one in fast and furious), the key is to shop around until you can get a really good deal.
One more thing to consider before you buy is where the car was made. This makes a huge difference because if you break a bearing and have to wait for it to arrive from Japan, you may have to wait an unnecessarily long time to get your car back on the road.
What can you expect?
An important thing to know about your vehicle hunt is what you can expect in your price range. If you have a budget and are after a car that doesn’t fit the budget, then the only ones you will find will be beaten up and damaged ones.
You always need to focus on getting the best you possibly can for your dollars.
$3-5k
In this price range you really do need to be looking just for the best you can get. Most cars will be from the mid-80s so they will have a high millage on them for sure. Do not look for a stand out or modified option in this price range because they will cost far more to run and repair.
$5-7k
Cars in this bracket are often found at dealerships. In this bracket it makes sense to look at more popular cars with the smallest millage you can find.
Sometimes bigger cars will be disproportionately cheaper in this bracket, so that may be a sensible decision for you. Larger cars are also generally more durable so they may well be in better condition.
$10-12k
There should be no problem finding a nice car within this range. Look for a popular car which has no history of mechanical failure as these will be easier to find replacements for if something does go wrong. It is also worth considering saving a further couple of thousand dollars and looking for a reasonably priced new car when looking in this range.
Tips for buying the your first car:
- Buy something which suits your budget. Do not buy a car that will be very expensive to keep on the road if you can’t afford to.
- Always get a used vehicle inspected by a qualified person before buying it.
- Don’t rush into buying a car because you will probably end up regretting it.
- Ignore any warranty or promise that isn’t given to you in writing.
- Never sign a contract until you have a full understanding of it. Always keep a copy of the contract.
- Always get a copy of the safety certificate.
- Ensure reliable finances before buying a car.
- Insure the car before driving it off the lot.
