By Dan Bodrero
Buying your first car is not a simple task, though no doubt it is an exciting experience. Like passing your driver's test and getting your own driver's license, owning a car is a rite of passage, a coming-of-age experience. There are a lot of factors to consider when picking a car including: the vehicle's age (brand new or pre-owned?) and its state (would you like to keep it as it is or make some changes to its seat covers, steering wheels, rims, and floor mats before you officially take it on the road?).
Unless you own a bank account like that of the Sultan of Saudi Arabia, you can forget owning a Lamborghini or a Vanquish with an expensive set of dashboard covers for your first set of wheels. There are several names of car makers out there whose brand new models are affordable and don't require you to rob a bank. If you're a teenager in college or high school, it is best that you stick with a car salesman with a good reputation and solid experience. They can help a lot in the buying and registering processes, including getting insurance quotes and policies, total assessment, and even customization of seat covers and other accessories.
Another thing you should look for in your first car is its safety features, from air bags to antilock brakes. A car loaded with a lot of safety measures is probably worth paying a little extra more particularly for first time drivers who are more accident prone, even if the car's accessories such as floor mats or stereo system are less extravagant.
The engine is also an element. If you plan to use it on long distance trips, a diesel engine is a good way to go. For multiple yet short trips within the city, a car running on petrol engine is the logical and economical option. If you are living in a city, a two-wheel drive is all you need. If you drive through dirt roads, rocky trails, and almost all kinds of uneven terrain, 4-wheel drive is a necessity .
If buying a used car, better check the vehicle's history and paperwork such as mileage, maintenance schedules, and its interiors such as the state of the upholstery to see if you need to buy new dashboard covers or seat covers, and the quality of the sound to see if it's worth the price. If you don't agree with the asking price, try to see if you can lower it to a better price. If a dealer is not very willing to show the car's record, then cut the deal off. You should also check the chassis and engine numbers and match them with the dealer's documents, as well as the owner's insurance records.
Of course, you have to check the car for dings and bent bumpers and smashed headlights before going for a test drive. When doing test runs, see if the brakes and buttons are functioning properly. Also scrutinize how the car feels; some of the signs you should look out for is unnecessary vibrations and faulty handling.
Whether you are buying a brand new car or a used one, make sure you can afford to pay it off in 48 months. If you can't get it in 48 months, then look for another. Buying something you can't afford has a lot of adverse consequences.
While it is mostly true that owning a car enables a person to do a lot of things, it also entails financial responsibilities and obligations. Keeping things in balance however, can help a car owner enjoy his new car.
Buying your first car is not a simple task, though no doubt it is an exciting experience. Like passing your driver's test and getting your own driver's license, owning a car is a rite of passage, a coming-of-age experience. There are a lot of factors to consider when picking a car including: the vehicle's age (brand new or pre-owned?) and its state (would you like to keep it as it is or make some changes to its seat covers, steering wheels, rims, and floor mats before you officially take it on the road?).
Unless you own a bank account like that of the Sultan of Saudi Arabia, you can forget owning a Lamborghini or a Vanquish with an expensive set of dashboard covers for your first set of wheels. There are several names of car makers out there whose brand new models are affordable and don't require you to rob a bank. If you're a teenager in college or high school, it is best that you stick with a car salesman with a good reputation and solid experience. They can help a lot in the buying and registering processes, including getting insurance quotes and policies, total assessment, and even customization of seat covers and other accessories.
Another thing you should look for in your first car is its safety features, from air bags to antilock brakes. A car loaded with a lot of safety measures is probably worth paying a little extra more particularly for first time drivers who are more accident prone, even if the car's accessories such as floor mats or stereo system are less extravagant.
The engine is also an element. If you plan to use it on long distance trips, a diesel engine is a good way to go. For multiple yet short trips within the city, a car running on petrol engine is the logical and economical option. If you are living in a city, a two-wheel drive is all you need. If you drive through dirt roads, rocky trails, and almost all kinds of uneven terrain, 4-wheel drive is a necessity .
If buying a used car, better check the vehicle's history and paperwork such as mileage, maintenance schedules, and its interiors such as the state of the upholstery to see if you need to buy new dashboard covers or seat covers, and the quality of the sound to see if it's worth the price. If you don't agree with the asking price, try to see if you can lower it to a better price. If a dealer is not very willing to show the car's record, then cut the deal off. You should also check the chassis and engine numbers and match them with the dealer's documents, as well as the owner's insurance records.
Of course, you have to check the car for dings and bent bumpers and smashed headlights before going for a test drive. When doing test runs, see if the brakes and buttons are functioning properly. Also scrutinize how the car feels; some of the signs you should look out for is unnecessary vibrations and faulty handling.
Whether you are buying a brand new car or a used one, make sure you can afford to pay it off in 48 months. If you can't get it in 48 months, then look for another. Buying something you can't afford has a lot of adverse consequences.
While it is mostly true that owning a car enables a person to do a lot of things, it also entails financial responsibilities and obligations. Keeping things in balance however, can help a car owner enjoy his new car.
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