Whether you currently own a used vehicle or are a first-time vehicle shopper, buying your first new car is an exciting experience. It also can be a stressful time in a person’s life. While purchasing your first new car can be incredibly beneficial for your life, the process can be harrowing if you don’t know where to begin.

 

You need a car for work, school, and to take your kids to soccer practice, a new car is a needed purchase for many people. However, there are several things to consider before buying your first new car. From budget concerns to the features you want your new car to have, it requires some forethought. Once you have the knowledge, then you can walk into the dealership headstrong, and drive out of the lot knowing you are behind the wheel of the vehicle you wanted.

 

Here is a guide to buying your first new car

 

1)  Budget

 

It’s important to know what you can spend on your first new car. Consider what is already on your expenses list. Bills and other responsibilities can hinder what you are able to pay. You don’t want to overspend and risk defaulting on your loan.

 

When searching for a new car, sit down and consider how much you are willing and able to spend. Do your research and find a few vehicles that you want and could see yourself driving. Then, check out a few different dealerships to get an idea of how much your ideal new car costs. You should also check the Kelly Blue Book when researching pricing.

 

Next, consider how much money you are able to put down on a new car. Some might be able to purchase the vehicle with one payment, but most likely you’ll be looking at financing from your bank or the dealership itself. Looking up current rates for auto loans can help you get a ballpark of what your monthly payment would be.

 

Finally, think about the operating costs of your vehicle. You will want to approximate how much money you will spend each month on fuel costs, insurance payments, and maintenance costs.

 

2) Future Vehicle Value

 

Before you get too carried away with the excitement of your purchase, remember that you might want to sell this car in the future. When researching the value of the car you want, also look up the average resale value of that make and model. Some vehicles depreciate faster than others for a variety of reasons, while others will remain in high demand.

 

3) Know Your Transportation Needs

 

You might need a car for work, school, or for your family’s needs. Your car is used for a wide range of purposes, but the mileage you put on it could vary depending on your lifestyle. Consider whether you need your car for occasional, casual use, or need it to rack up lots of miles on the road.

 

4) Features

 

Different vehicles offer different features. Some are bare bones models, while others have more function than we know what to do with. When buying a new car, think about the features you want and the ones that you can live without. You don’t want to end up paying more for features you won’t use.

 

5) Take a Test Drive

 

Always take a test drive (or two!) before you commit to a vehicle purchase. When you’re actually behind the wheel,you can see what a car’s blind spot is, how it handles, how intuitive the buttons are, and if you like how you feel in it or not.

 

6) Find the Right Insurance Policy

Finding good auto insurance for your new car is key to helping protect your investment. An auto insurance policy not only helps protect your vehicle in case of an accident, but can also help protect you in case of property damage, accidents with uninsured motorists, and more. How much you drive, your car’s make and model, where you live, and other factors will influence the cost of your car insurance policy.

 

7) Buy Your Car

Of course, the last step is to buy your car! You have done your research, bought your new car from the dealership you trust, then got a good policy to help cover it and your from some of life’s mishaps.  All that is left is to get into your new car, sit back, and enjoy the ride!

 

To learn more about buying your first new car, contact the professionals at ProtetiveAgency.com at (877) 739-9367. Our licensed insurance agents will be happy to answer any questions you have.