Whether you are a teenager who is getting a car for the first time or you are just looking to trade in your old set of wheels, buying a car is a very exciting and overwhelming process. Buying a car is a big decision, and it is a decision that can cost you a lot of money. You want to find a car that is reliable and will last you a long time, but also a car that will fit within your budget.
It is easy to get stressed and think that there is no way to get the car you want while still staying within your budget, especially if your budget is very limited. However, if you can learn to shop smarter, you will be able to find a car that works within your budget. Here is the best advice for first time car buyers.
Learn your Financing Options
Before you can even start looking at cars, you need to understand how much you can spend on a car. Most people will need to finance their first car, especially if you are buying a new car. Figure out what you have for a down payment. Once you have decided that amount, you can start to determine how much you will need to finance and what your options will be for financing. You can either check with the car dealer, your bank or another lender like InstaLoan.com. You can choose the option that will be easiest for you to pay off with the lowest interest rates.
Decide how much you can afford in Monthly Payments
Once you have an idea of how much you can afford for a down payment and what your financing options will be like, you can begin to plan out monthly payments for your new car. You will need to work these payments into your monthly budget so that you will know that you can afford them each month without going into debt. You will also need to factor in the amounts you will need to pay for maintenance and car insurance, which can add up quickly for a first time buyer.
Choose between New and used Cars
Now that you have a better idea of what your finances are like and how much car you can really afford, you can make the decision between new and used cars. There are pros and cons to buying new and used. New cars are more expensive and car insurance might be more, but you will pay less for maintenance and you will have a mo
re reliable car to use. Used cars are much less expensive, but they are less reliable and will require more expensive and intensive maintenance. Decide which factors are more important to you before you decide whether to buy a new or used car.
Find the Perfect Car
Now that you have all the financial aspects worked out, you can finally start doing your research and pick out the right car for you. Search through different dealers and sellers to find the best option for you. Once you find the car you want, renegotiate what kind of financing options you have available and settle on a price that everyone can agree on.