5 Tips to Follow When Purchasing Your First Car

Buying your first car is a massive milestone. Often marking the beginning of independence, getting the keys to a vehicle that you have earned is a moment that should be cherished. However, before you embark on your new journey there are a few crucial steps that must be taken first. This article covers some important tips that can be followed to make your first car purchasing experience a smooth one.

Before you start thinking about what car you want to drive, it’s best to discover how much you are willing to spend on monthly instalments. If you discover a comfortable price range, you will be able to consider potential options. It is vital that you take this into account first as it will let you begin your search in a way that is practical, removing unnecessary stress down the line.

Beyond your budget, a smart thing to do is determine what you are going to use your vehicle for and for how long. For example, there is no point in test driving bakkies if you are simply looking for a ride to take you to and from university. Evaluate the conditions that you will be driving in and what features you actually need. You will also need to decide if you are going to get insurance or a service/maintenance plan. By keeping this in mind, you will be able to pinpoint the type of car that will best suit your lifestyle and budget.

Searching for your first car should be accompanied by in-depth research. Once you have determined your budget and needs, the kind of car that you want can be chosen. Browsing helpful websites such as Hatfield Motor Group will give you an idea as to how much your ideal vehicle will cost and what you can expect if you purchase it. Furthermore, seeking out reviews is a great way to learn what other individuals think about your potential car. Visiting a dealership with some well-researched information ensures that you can make an informed decision.

While there are some cases where individuals pay cash for their first car, the most common method is to do so via vehicle financing. This is a far more affordable option that will let you pay off your car over time. Vehicle finance is a simple process and is available from all major banks.

When you are ready to apply for finance, you will need the following information/documents:

Based on your credit history, management of accounts and income, you will be notified if your finance is approved or declined.

Once you have accumulated all the previously mentioned details, you will be ready to visit a dealership or enquire online. You may even find that the first dealer that you come in contact with is offering the deal of your dreams. Before you take the final step, it won’t hurt to explore your options. You very well might find a better offer elsewhere. Without searching the market, you might end up wondering if you made the right choice. 

On this point, it is important to decide if a specific dealer will be the right partner for the duration of your ownership. For example, buying privately usually means that you won’t be able to contact the previous owner and going to a non-OEM location may prevent you from being able to get a service/maintenance plan.

As you can see, there are several factors that go into purchasing your first car. You might want to dive headfirst into the process but by following these important tips, you will be better prepared to enter the vehicle market. Remember, Hatfield Motor Group is here to help you whenever you are ready. Our friendly team will guide you through your planning and will assist you as you discover the total cost of ownership. We want to be your dedicated partner for the entire lifespan of your vehicle, so please call us when you are ready to take the first step.

For more useful motoring information, please revisit this blog later. We intend to update this section regularly with well-written and informative articles.