Expert Auto Advice For Students

145 members

Description

The purpose of this group is for people to be able to ask anything they need to know about their vehicle (buying a new or used car, pricing on different services) and get answers from the top experts in the industry.
Comments Discussions Featured DealerELITE Members

Buying your first car

by Terry Gibson

Oct 19, 2010

The very first car that you own is surely a symbol of who you are, and to most people it is a symbol with which they identify you as a cool dude or dudette. If you have been thinking about buying your first car
then there are certain tips on buying your first car that you need to
consider.


Owning the first car isn't going to guarantee a longer lasting paint job because there is a very high possibility that you could have it scratched every time you drive it. Hence, to protect your
wallet from a very expensive paint job and as the first amongst the tips
on buying your first car, it would be best for you to settle for a used
car.


There are quite a lot of used car dealers in your area and they sure have some really cool models too. The best part with such dealers is that you sure can find a lot of vintage cars that are re-modified.

If you are unsure about how to go check a car's condition, the make and the model, and the power of the car in relation to the price being quoted, then it would be best if you can take a
friend or a mechanic with you who you know well to get a second opinion.
Else there is a huge possibility that you can be easily ripped of by
the sales person. Unfortunately this experience is common to woman on
the market so again if take someone with you that knows cars then that
can potentially save hundreds of dollars.


Also make it a point to look at the papers and title for the car. A carfax report listing the detailed information on a cars history and make certain that everything
is in order and the title documents are clear with no ambiguity. It
would be best for you to settle for a car that was pre-owned by one no
more than one person. The more number of people owning a car would
depreciate the value of the car as well as its condition

Following these tips should make it simple to purchase your

first car. Don't jump on the first car you see unless it meets your
criteria and it's a solid purchase. Sticking to these simple methods
will not only ensure you get a good deal, but you'll get it on your
terms.
One more thing to think about, short term leases are great, the payments are low, you get a new car
and in two years you have options instead of obligations, so you can choose to keep it, turn it in, then get something else because as we all know our lives change, so what will you want two years from now ? Enjoy your journey.
  • up

    Dennis M. Sims

    Else there is a huge possibility that you can be easily ripped of by
    the sales person. Unfortunately this experience is common to woman on
    the market so again if take someone with you that knows cars then that
    can potentially save hundreds of dollars.

    I copied and pasted the above comment from you. Terry, are you an "Auto Expert" that operates with honesty and integrity, or are you a "Consumer Advocate" reporting on the '80's & '90's?
    Also, I find your comment, "Unfortunately this experience is common to woman", not only "dinosauric" but actually offensive to the intellect of a female.

    No offense brother, but, your point of this entire article is what?

    Oct 19, 2010

    • up

      Richard Emmons

      Terry, I think you do have some valued points here. Carfax, purchasing a used car first, have a mechanic look it over. I believe some additional preparation is also necessary. Budget first. If possible, do not finance at all, save and purchase what you can afford leaving some bank reserves for the inevitable repairs. Most dealerships will give a power-train warranty for 30 days. I agree financing or leasing 2 years is a good alternative for short term financing. I would also recommend if someone was to finance, run their own credit report first. They may need a cosigner for first time buyers or for a much better rate thus lower monthly payment. Shop interest rate at a local bank or credit union as well as have them book out the vehicle to show loan value, trade value and retail. Because 85+% of people shop on line before they go into a dealership, this can all be done before the emotional decision is made. It is an investment that will depreciate so wisdom should play a large part in the pre-decision. If someone is thinking they will be "ripped off," do your homework first. Seek out a reputable dealer, make a friend, then test drive what you can easily afford for your first car, knowing upfront what you should pay, how much your payment will be and your interest rate. Have them run a Carfax (mostly for damage reports, frame, salvage etc). Make an offer and own it. Get on a referral program with that salesman and get some bird dog checks. If you should encounter a problem with your purchase, this will carry alot of weight with some assistance. Car people are real good people if both parties work together.

      Oct 19, 2010