(Newswire.net — May 19, 2022) –After months or even years of saving, it’s finally time to acquire your long-waited car. Before you enter the market, it’s important to ensure you are fully equipped with the right information to get value for money and avoid wasting too much time. Watch out for the following mistakes most first-time car buyers make.
1- Mixing Your Emotions with Money
Buying your first car is indeed an exciting yet stressful experience. However, don’t let your emotions fully influence your purchase. Yes, it’s crucial that you buy a car whose appearance satisfies you. However, its functionality is important as well. Therefore, once you’ve set your eyes on a vehicle you like, simply take a step back and see if it meets your needs. Take a few days to really think through and check if you can get it from other dealers at a lower price.
2- New is Better
Sometimes, new isn’t always better. Although purchasing a new car is everyone’s dream, sometimes it’s better to buy a used car from an established brand than to buy a new model from an unknown brand. Besides, used cars are budget-friendly as you can acquire them at a lower price. Remember, if you choose to purchase a used vehicle, ensure that you buy from a trusted dealer. Furthermore, ensure that you have the car records of its history showing any issue that the car had and whether it has been repaired. Don’t forget to get a mechanical inspection.
3- Going Alone
If you’re trying to get a better commission but know nothing about cars, it would benefit you if you went with someone who does. Although not all car salespeople would try to take advantage of you, it’s better safe than sorry. Simply ask a friend or a trusted family member with knowledge about cars to tag along or hire an auto broker. They will help you negotiate the price and stop you from doing impulse buying. Remember, they are only there to support you. The final decision should be all yours.
4- Being Afraid to Walk Away
Walking away from a dealership can be pretty hard for some people. However, it’s important to remember that all is just business, and you have the freedom to purchase where you get the best deal. Remember, everything is negotiable; therefore, don’t get stuck on paying for the sticker price.
5- Skipping the Test Drive
Just because a car is new or looks good doesn’t mean it’s in good condition. At times, you might even not like the feeling you get when driving the car. Therefore, before closing off the deal, ensure that you do a test drive. That way, you’ll get a feel of the wheel alignment and see how energy efficient the car is. Don’t forget to check the brakes and test any advanced systems included.
Most importantly, don’t forget that you have a budget. Therefore, shop for a vehicle within your budget and whose future expenses, including fuel and maintenance, are within your monthly budget.