Are you thinking of buying a new car? Buying a new car is one of the big milestones in life and a dream of many. Now that you have finally saved enough of your hard-earned money, it’s time to fulfill your dreams. With this big decision, your home must have lots of excitement.
But, as there are so many options available, looking for a car that is suitable for you may seem overwhelming at first. So, it’s crucial to take a step back and take your time to think about what your requirements are. Below, we have discussed the top 10 things to consider when buying a car for the first time. You can follow the tips below, make an informed decision, and pick the right car.
After you have got your car, you can customize your vehicle with different car accessories. You can also check out our blog on useful car accessories to buy online at the best prices.
1. Know your budget
First and foremost, you must know your budget, as money is the only big obstacle to purchasing the car you have your eyes on. Remember that all the manufacturers give an ex-showroom price, and the actual price of your car may be higher due to RTO, insurance, and other factors. Before buying a car, keep in mind a general rule of thumb: the total expense of the car, including the expenses on maintenance costs, insurance premiums, fuels, etc., should be 25% of the total monthly income.
2. New or pre-owned car
After fixing your budget, another one of the important things to consider before buying a car for the first time is to choose a brand new car or a pre-owned one. A brand-new car will come with the latest features but with steeper depreciation and a higher price tag. On the other hand, a used car is available for a lower price, but you must check the car’s history and condition before making a purchase. Consider all the pros and cons of the new and second-hand cars and then decide.
3. Know the type of car you want
Next, you should consider the type of car you want that suits your requirements, lifestyle, and taste. Also, consider if your car is suitable for driving in urban or rural areas. Check for the different features and specifications that you want in your car, such as seating, performance, safety features, comfort, and convenience. You can also consider the additional features you want your car to have, like a sunroof, surround sound system, etc.
4. Know the car’s resale value
It would be very useful to check the resale value of the car you want before making a purchase, in case you have to resell your car and upgrade to the latest model or due to other reasons. Cars with powerful engines, well-known brands, many service centers, and better fuel efficiency have better resale value.
5. Fuel efficiency
One of the important things to keep in mind when buying a car is fuel efficiency. Many modern cars are fuel efficient and can help you save up in the long run. Efficient modern cars are also beneficial for the environment as these use every drop of fuel without any wastage.
6. Transmissions
Cars come with two types of transmissions: manual transmission and automatic transmission. If you are looking for a comfortable ride and do a lot of inter-city travel, automatic transmission is for you. You can choose a stick shift or manual transmission if you have a tight budget.
7.Insurance costs
You must also consider the insurance cost when buying a new car. Insurance costs can increase the price of the car, so keep this in mind. Usually, sports cars have higher insurance premiums. Get quotes from different insurers.
8.Reviews
Checking reviews of the products you want to buy helps you determine whether you should buy that product. In the same way, you must also check the reviews of the cars you have shortlisted. Check the reviews from experts and people you know who own the cars. The expert car reviewers can point out important features or any information related to the car that you may have missed. And the owners will let you know their experience with the car after driving it for a long time.
9. Get the second-hand car checked before purchase
If you decide to buy a second-hand car, you must get it checked by a mechanic before purchasing. This is essential as you can learn about the existing as well as potential concerns the car may have. After getting the car inspected, you can decide whether you want to buy the car. You can also negotiate the price of the car.
10. Test drive
After checking many car models based on the factors above, you may have shortlisted a few. Now, you can test drive each model to know the comfort features and if the car meets your expectations. Based on this, you can finalize the car that you like the best.
Purchasing a car is a huge investment, so take your time and consider what to know when buying a new car or a pre-owned one. By considering the points mentioned above, you will be able to get a car that suits your budget, requirements, and lifestyle. So, start your research and get the best car for your needs.
