If you have just learned how to drive, just got your license, and are buying a new car, these are major life milestones you will not forget. Perhaps you’ve landed a new job? Or maybe you’ve just received your admissions letter for the university you were hoping to attend and now need a car for traveling between school and your parents.
Regardless of your situation, when we first learn how to get behind the wheel, it’s a scary but ultimately rewarding experience. Getting into one's "first" set of wheels deserves special attention because this will likely become an integral part of our lives from here on out with all its pros AND cons – not to mention it comes at such great expense.
Your first set of wheels should be one that is reliable, safe, and with the latest feature available such as a new Ford Escape that is along the lines of what a good starter vehicle would look like. With that said, here are some words of wisdom for new drivers purchasing their first car.
Do your research… and then do some more!
One of the most time-consuming parts of car shopping is doing the research before and during your process. When salesmen at the dealership talk about selling the new Ford Escape in Redwood Falls, they mention how important it is to know what kind of make, model, color, or features you want in a vehicle so it will be easier for you to spot them as soon as they pop up at an auto lot. Doing this type of preparation can save weeks, if not months, on finding the perfect first set wheels!
With that said, do your best to keep emotions out when searching for a new ride by reading reviews from other drivers who have owned/driven these vehicles instead of relying solely upon pictures and specs online. Remember, these pictures and resources are highlights, so you want to look for real-world examples of previous owners.
Make a budget and stick to it
When it comes to buying a car, the best advice is not just to get one with features you like but also to make sure that your monthly payments do not exceed 20% of your take-home income.
One of the biggest mistakes first-time car buyers make is getting a car they cannot afford. Don’t make this mistake. If you are considering purchasing an $18,000 vehicle, set your budget around $3k-$5k less than that to account for taxes, registration fees, and insurance options. Before deciding which one will work best with what you can realistically afford, take into account the cost of maintenance, repairs, and gas along with your monthly payments.
If you’re buying a pre-owned vehicle, always look at the vehicle history
The CarFax report is a great way to make sure your future car doesn't have any hidden secrets. The reports include vehicle history and inspection reports, such as accident records or emission results, which can help you decide whether the car would be worth buying at all. It's also important to remember that dealerships usually provide this information for free!
Work with the right dealer
Locate a respectable dealer in your area to ensure you are getting the service, quality, and memorable good experience you deserve as a new driver purchasing your first vehicle. Different dealerships will have different things to offer, so you must take this step before narrowing down and picking out any other ones.
You'll want to find reputable sources when looking up dealership reviews; otherwise, all the information could be unreliable or untrue depending on where you get them from. Google reviews on a business would be the most reliable source.
Be sure to use this guide for your car buying experience. As a new driver, we wish you well and hope you have the best first car buying experience along with fun and safe road trips!
Check out Weelborg Ford specials in Redwood!
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