LIFE HACKS

Friday, April 01

Tips on buying your first car

Buying a new car can be a difficult process, especially if you don’t have much knowledge about cars in general. Many people buy a car without a clue about what they are getting into. Here are some of the things to help you choose the right car for you.

1. Size

The first thing you need to do is figure out what type of car you are looking for. If you are someone who will only use your car for commuting, then a small car with good fuel consumption will suit you best as it will cost less to run the car. If you are a family person, then you will need to look at a car with enough space for you and your family as well as a decent boot size.

2. Budget

Once you have a certain size in mind, you must now set yourself a budget. Your budget can determine what car you end up with. It’s important to set yourself an affordable budget and try your best to stick to that budget. It’s common for people to start looking for cars and going above their budget while putting themselves in debt.

3. Insurance

Your motor insurance makes a huge impact on the car you will end up with. You should always check how much your car insurance will cost so you can take it into account with your overall budget. Different cars are in different insurance groups so the price of your motor cover can vary. So, it’s important to have a good look and find something that fits your budget.

4. Knowledge

Once you have a car in mind, it’s important to educate yourself on some basic things about cars. The things to look out include service history and general maintenance.  Just remember that every car is different. Do your research on the car you are looking to get and find out things that can help you determine if it’s a good buy. Look out for common problems with that specific car and if has any signs of accident repairs.

5. Negotiate

When buying a car, there is always room for negotiation. Don’t be shy to ask for a price reduction, and importantly shop around to compare prices. Some sellers will be more open to negotiation than others, so do not be afraid to ask. In some cases, letting the owner or salesman know about the prices you have been getting may edge them to try and beat these prices.

Taking the listed points into consideration will help you make a good choice and not go over your budget. If you are just about to begin saving for a car, you can save with our money market fund or set your budget goal on SaveIt.