10 Common Mistakes to Avoid as a First-Time Car Buyer
Did you know that Americans buy around 18 million cars each year?
If you're one of the many people who are ready to buy their first car this year, then it's important to do your research first.
Do you want to learn how to buy a car for the first time? Keep reading for 10 first-time car buyer mistakes you'll want to avoid.
1. Not Shopping for Financing Options
One of the most important first-time car buyer tips is to ask your dealer about the different types of financing options they can offer. Finding a payment schedule that matches your financial needs is crucial for scoring the best deal.
2. Not Factor Insurance and Other Fees into the Cost
If it's your first time buying a car, you may not fully understand the true cost of owning one. Aside from the monthly car payments, you'll also have to pay for gas, car insurance, maintenance, and other miscellaneous fees. Make sure you can afford your car in the long term.
3. Only Looking at New Cars
Who says everyone's first car has to be brand new? Not only are pre-owned vehicles affordable, but they can also last a long time with proper care.
4. Not Test Driving a Few Options
You may believe in love at first sight, but you should never buy a car without test driving it first. Even if you feel good behind the wheel, it's also a good idea to test drive another car for comparison.
5. Focusing Too Much on Appearances
Although the idea of buying a new car is exciting, you don't want to get too wrapped up in appearances. One of the biggest car buying mistakes is buying just for looks instead of more practical reasons.
6. Not Researching Driver-Friendly Features
Is fuel efficiency important for your budget? Do you like streaming music from your phone? Before you settle on a car, take some time to consider what features would make your rides more enjoyable.
7. Spending Too Much Time Shopping
Time is money. While it's important to shop around for a good deal, you also don't want to go overboard with research when you could be doing other valuable things.
8. Adding Extra Unnecessary Features
Before you start shopping, it's helpful to set a budget and create a list of must-have features and nice-to-have features. The more cool features your car has, the more expensive it'll be, which is why prioritizing and sticking to your budget can help you make a smart decision.
9. Getting Pressured into Buying Something They're Unsure of
Buying your first car is an emotional experience. Although there are a lot of positive feelings, it's also normal to feel nervous. While you're shopping for your car, you should never get pressured into buying something you're not in love with.
10. Not Reading the Entire Contract
One of the most crucial tips for first-time car buyers is to read over the entire contract and make sure you understand the terms. There's nothing more frustrating than signing up for a deal you can't or don't want to uphold.
Are You a First-Time Car Buyer Looking for a New or Pre-Owned Car?
Now that you know the top 10 mistakes a first-time car buyer makes, you can ensure your experience goes smoothly.
Are you ready to start shopping for your first car? If so, Newberg Chevrolet serves car buyers in Portland, Beaverton, Wilsonville, Salem, Gladstone, Canby, Sherwood, Woodburn, McMinnville, Gresham, and any other buyers who live in the Portland metropolitan area.
Contact us to learn more about how we can help you find your dream car at a fair price.
