Should You Lease or Buy a Car?
If you’re in the market for a new car, you may be debating whether to buy or lease. It’s a big decision. After buying a house, a new car is...
Read more about Should You Lease or Buy a Car?A car is a major purchase, and if you’re a first-time car buyer, there are a few helpful things to know before heading to the dealership. Fortunately, buying your first car is easier than ever, thanks to online resources and tools that can help you calculate your car payments.
Knowing how to buy your first car can help you get a deal that you feel good about. Get started on your path to vehicle ownership with these tips for first-time car buyers.
The budget you set ultimately helps you determine which car you purchase. As a general guideline, your car payment, including the principal, interest and insurance, should be 10% or less of your gross monthly income. This helps you make sure you have enough money in your budget to cover rent or mortgage payments, utilities, groceries and all of life’s other essentials.
Typically, people also make down payments equal to about 20% of the cost of the car. It isn’t essential that you pay that much for your first vehicle, but the more you can afford to put down on the car, the lower your monthly payments will be if you choose to get a loan to pay for your new car.
It’s smart to also factor maintenance needs into your decision. Larger vehicles, such as SUVs and pickup trucks, often get fewer miles to the gallon than compact sedans and it can cost more to fuel them up. These larger vehicles also have more expensive parts to purchase when repairs are necessary.
Financing a car with an auto loan is something that people often feel unsure about because they hope to get a good deal on interest rates from the car dealership. One way to come out ahead is to have your financing in place before you start shopping. This helps ensure that you are comfortable with your loan’s interest rate.
Unless you have excellent credit and are buying a new car with special interest offers, you likely won’t get a better financing deal from the car dealership than you can from your bank. Having your financing in hand helps you avoid being sold extra services and “add-ons” that you don’t need.
Make it easier to qualify for your first auto loan with a first-time car-buyer program from a lender, a credit union or an auto manufacturer. While some programs can be more flexible on credit requirements, they can also be more restrictive in other ways, such as requiring that you have graduated from college recently or that you buy a certain vehicle make to be eligible. Not all lenders offer first-time car-buyer programs, so do your research online or ask around to find one. [1]
This goes beyond what you’re paying for the car. Factor in gas mileage and potential repairs. One simple way to add up all your costs is by using an online calculator. [2]
Don’t be overwhelmed by jargon when you’re looking for a deal. Here are a few key terms to be familiar with before heading over to the dealership.
Shopping for a car can be a lot of fun. You get to pick the color and think about what features you want. Do your homework online to find cars that you’re interested in. You can also read reviews about them and learn more about what to expect before you do a test drive.
Safety in a car is essential, so look for features like electronic stability control. “ESC is so crucial because it helps a driver keep control when they’re doing things like going around a curve too fast or driving on slippery roads,” explains Russ Rader, a senior vice president at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). “It helps prevent the loss-of-control crashes that teens are more likely to get into.” ESC has been required in cars only since 2012, but many automakers were including it before then. If parents are considering a car built prior to 2012, Rader therefore recommends researching which cars have ESC.
Other important safety features include antilock brakes, airbags and, if possible, backup cameras. Some of these come standard in newer cars; check to see which features are included in the cars you’re considering.
Check out the history of the models you’re interested in. You can find and compare ratings for virtually any car. Look for cars that score well. Since inexperienced drivers are more likely to have accidents, they’ll benefit from having greater protection in the event of an accident.
Before you narrow down your decision, it’s best to:
When it comes to novice drivers, you don’t want a car that’s too small. Small cars often don’t fare well in collisions and novice drivers are more likely to get into accidents. A larger car has a slower reaction time when it comes to braking and turning, which can be a recipe for disaster when combined with a new driver’s response to unexpected situations. Look for a midsize car that’s big enough to provide necessary protection but not so large that it might be hard for an inexperienced driver to handle.
An older car is likely to cost less upfront, but it might also come with unexpected repair bills later. An older car won’t necessarily have some of the safety features you’re looking for and may not handle as well. A new car is generally going to be pricier to insure, in part because of repair and replacement costs. So, a middle-aged car (5 to 7 years old) could be a good bet.
Look at reviews on sites that are not influenced by the auto industry, such as Consumer Reports, to find out what kind of track record the vehicle has for common problems or breakdowns. Then, if you’re thinking about buying, have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle. This helps you make sure that it’s in good driving condition.
Novice drivers and muscle cars aren’t a good combination. Stick to a vehicle with a lower-powered 4-cylinder engine that’s easier to control. This might invite less temptation to speed or to participate in other unsafe driving behaviors. [3]
When you’ve found the car or cars that you’re interested in buying, head to the dealership. Take along a friend or family member — preferably someone who’s been through the car-buying process before and who isn’t afraid to offer their opinion. It’s a good idea to have a sounding board and someone who knows your situation in case the salesman tries to change your mind or upsell you to a pricier vehicle.
Once you’re at the dealership and find the car you’re interested in, you can:
Before you buy your first car, it’s also a good idea to write down which questions you want to ask the seller before you strike a deal. Consider asking about things like how many people have owned the vehicle and whether it has service records.
Use this checklist to make sure the car is in good running condition. Arriving prepared at the dealership doesn’t only help you get a better deal; it can also make the process go much faster.
Prior to signing any financial documents and finalizing your purchase, you need to get your new vehicle insured. At this point in the process, you are not financially obligated to buy the car, so it’s the perfect time to find out whether the car insurance premium fits within your budget. If the numbers don’t fall within your budget, don’t hesitate to continue car shopping.
Getting your new-to-you car insured is easy. Simply call a local auto insurance agent and be ready to provide:
If you’re purchasing a car for a teen, talk with your insurance agent to find out what your insurance premiums may be for your teen driver.
Buying your first car is an exciting and big first step in your financial life. Learn more about getting your car insured with Nationwide today.
Sources:
[1] “What is a First-Time Car Buyer Program?” https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/auto-loans/first-time-car-buyer-program (July 8, 2022).
[2] “Calculate Automobile Operating Costs,” Car Operating Cost Calculator (carpaymentcalculator.net) (accessed Nov. 22, 2022).
[3] “Collecting muscle cars: What to know,” Collecting Muscle Cars – Nationwide (accessed Nov. 22, 2022).
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