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First-Time Car Buyers: Don’t Overlook These Five Crucial Points!

Purchasing your first car is an exciting experience.

However, you need to be aware of several things before you dive in headfirst and buy.

Here are five crucial points first-time car buyers need to ensure they don’t overlook.

First-Time Car Buyers: Don’t Overlook These Five Crucial Points!

Don’t Let Your Emotions Rule

When you spend thousands of dollars on a car, you need to be certain it’s the model you want.

However, of equal importance is to not let your heart overrule your head.

Buying your first car is a serious investment, so your emotions should not determine your decision.

Other models than the one that takes your fancy may be better for your needs, so make sure you compare things like the cost, safety, and reliability of different cars to make a level-headed decision.

As a first-time buyer, you need to be led by practicality.

Having a wide-eyed approach to a vehicle can leave you more susceptible to salespersons’ tactics and you could end up paying much more than you should.

Ensure You Read and Understand the Warranty

Before you sign the paperwork for your new car, you need to thoroughly inspect the auto warranty.

It can be complex to understand warranties fully, which is why many first-time car buyers leave dealerships without the best coverage.

The most common protection is known as bumper to bumper warranty cover.

Although it may sound as though the warranty is comprehensive, many people are shocked when they realize their warranties don’t cover specific damages until it’s too late.

First-Time Car Buyers: Don’t Overlook These Five Crucial Points!

Typically, a bumper to bumper warranty covers all major systems of a vehicle except for “wear items,” referring to the parts of your car that deteriorate over time.

Unfortunately, that list of wear items is long, and each item can lead to you paying additional costs for repairs.

Don’t Skip the Test Drive

You don’t know what a car is like until you drive it.

Yet, many people still buy cars without first taking them for test drives.

Another common mistake is taking a vehicle for a short test-drive.

You should take a car out for at least thirty minutes to see how it performs and whether it feels right.

You don’t want to encounter any unwanted surprises after you have bought your car, so a test drive is crucial.

Don’t Ignore the Financing Terms

Don’t forget that car-salespeople are out to make a buck.

Too many first-time buyers end up thinking they’re getting a good deal when in reality, they aren’t.

For instance, you shouldn’t use the sticker price as your gauge for negotiating.

If a salesperson offers you a deal that is $500 below the asking price, you may think you’re getting a good deal.

But if you then finance the vehicle with no money down at, say, 6% for four years at a cost of more than $2,000, getting $500 off the sticker price pales into insignificance.

Don’t Underestimate the Importance of Safety Features

Safety may not be at the top of your priority list when buying your first car, but it should be.

First-Time Car Buyers: Don’t Overlook These Five Crucial Points!

On average, six million car accidents occur in the US every year.

Purchasing a car with advanced safety features like anti-lock brake systems, front and side airbags, and electronic stability control enable you to reduce the risk of experiencing accidents.

Even if the car costs a little more because of its modern safety features, it can be worth the investment, seeing as safety features save lives.

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