Tips For Buying Your First Car

Getting your license and your first car is a major life change for you. It opens a whole new world because now you can drive and have the freedom to go back and forth as you please. When I was getting my first car I didn't really care what it looked like I was just happy to have a car. And with that in mind, I would like to point out some things you should consider when buying your first car.

First of all, don't feel bad if your first car is not a brand new 2008 Mustang GT, and instead it's more like a 1990 Chevy Lumina. A car that is reliable but yet still has some small problems. Not the kind of problems that stop it from running but small problems (like the cup holders no longer work). Once the driver gets a job and starts earn money you can easily fix the problems, and learn how to perform a bit of car maintenance to boot. It's all worth it in the end.

Now when you are looking for that first car you need to know a few things. Like I mentioned above it doesn't need to be a 2008 Mustang GT. Look for something you can afford with out hassling over it. Another thing you should do is ask a lot questions. Even if you are buying the car from a friend, by law, he has to tell you everything that is known to be wrong with the vehicle. Ask questions and you will be able to tell if the car is worth buying. Also don't forget to check the mileage on the car. A lot of cars built long ago don't run as well as the newer cars if the maintenance (like tune-ups) are done regularly.

Another thing you should consider is gas. The first thing you may realize is that gas prices are high. So, getting a car that can get a lot of miles per gallon (MPG) will allow you more trips for less money. If the driver is the type that likes to hang out with lots of friends at once, then a four door economy car is ideal. However, if you and your homeboy (or girl) are the most frequent cruisers, then a two-door car (which tend to be great on gas) is a great start.

The last piece of advice I would like to give you is to be aware of who you're buying the car from. Is it a friend? If so is this friend reliable and honest? Are you getting it from a used car dealer? Find out whether the dealer has had problems with past vehicles - ask around among friends and family. Also before you buy a car you should ask for a car history report. A history report is exactly what it sounds like. It is a report of anything that has ever happened to the vehicle. If the vehicle was wrecked or driven into a lake, this report will tell you. Keep in mind that the car history report only contains the case if the incidents are reported, so minor things may not be listed. This report other wise will provide very useful information for anyone looking to buy a car, especially a first car.

Nicholas writes for a car insurance guide which contains advice and information on topics such as carbon neutral car insurance and cheaper cover for women.


By Nicholas Hunt

Car Buying Tips

Buying a car needs preparation and planning. Never apply for a car loan if you have not checked your credit report. Make sure you check your credit before going to the car dealer because if you don't check it, the dealer will do so when you get there. So you need to know if you qualify for a car loan in advance. You don't want to waste your time or the car salesman's time.

You should not leave your destiny in the hands of a car salesman. You don't want him or her to know more about you than you know about yourself from your credit report. Your credit history needs to be current and you should have fair credit history.

Of course, the car dealer will give you a high interest rate loan if you have poor credit, but that would not be in your best interest if you can avoid it. Don't be pressured by the car salesperson. Their aim is primarily to make the sale. You have to do your homework to make sure you are not taken for a ride. No pun intended.

Before you purchase a car, make sure you get an insurance quote. Having a car just not stop there. You will need the appropriate insurance coverage to drive the car on the road.

You must go the dealership with the car already in mind that you want. You can have an open mind, but at least you will have an idea what you are working with. Buying a car is an exciting event, but can be very intimidating if you don't have a view of what is involved.

In the current market conditions, many car dealerships are offering sale prices for new cards with attractive incentives to make you choose the model that you want. An incentive is anything that gives you an additional reason to buy a particular car.

Car salesmen will generally lead you to a car's "sticker price" as the correct amount to pay for the car. However, the dealership would be willing to offer that is well below the sticker price and you have to be aware of your options. If the salesman sells you for the sticker price, more commission is in store for him or her, so it is their best interest to see the car at the sticker price.

If you are a car shopper who insists on finding hard-to-find options and a specific car color, it will be more difficult to get a great deal. You have to be a good negotiator to land that deal. You would have to pay the dealer's price or try to locate another similar vehicle. However, if you do find the exact car that you are looking for, you don't have to volunteer this information to the car dealer.

Make sure you test-drive the car before taking it off the car lot. Test-driving the car will allow you to become familiar with the model as well as to make sure it is in good running condition. Consider all your options when purchasing a car and don't be run over by that hasty car salesman.

Writer and author, Cheryline Lawson gives high accolades to Fernando Reyes, who is an Internet Marketing guru and expert in a variety of fields including finance and you are invited to find out more by visiting the website at => http://crowleybiz.com/car


By Cheryline Lawson