7 Shocking Mistakes First-Time Car Buyers Make
Other than purchasing a home, your car is the second biggest expense you’ll likely make. The trouble is, many people make some mistakes that creates and make it a more painful process. Buying a car for the first time is a big deal and can be challenging, so it is important that you make the right decision when selecting the car to buy.
You should avoid these seven shocking mistakes most first-time buyers make that end up costing others time and money.
1. Forget to Do Your Research
Whether you choose to shop the local car lots or do your buying online, research is essential. You want to know exactly what you need before you do your shopping. This includes the year, make, model, color and options of the car you want.
There are several reputable websites where you can look up any vehicle and find out more. The web can likewise be an entirely profitable asset when you are beginning with your car shopping process.
It helps not just to find fair and unbiased reviews but also with price comparisons.
2. Neglect the Total Cost of Ownership
Many first-time car buyers have a lot to think about when figuring out their budget. You need to factor in your insurance costs and maintenance costs as well.
It’s a normal occurrence for someone to go completely broke after they purchase a car, but this isn’t a position you want to find yourself in. When you are figuring out your budget, leave yourself some extra wiggle room, so you don’t spend your last kobo.
Compare insurance rates to see where you’ll get the best deal before signing any paperwork. It’s true that fifteen minutes could save you 15-percent or more on car insurance.
3. Forgetting What Your Needs Are
Don’t allow your emotions to dictate what car you buy. Love, at first sight, isn’t meant to be the basis of your decisions. You need to consider your actual needs first.
Sure, that sports car might be fun, but if you need a family car, it isn’t going to work well. In addition, you might want a luxury SUV, but can you truly afford it?
Start by considering what your needs are, then find a vehicle that you love which fits into your criteria.
Your first trip to a showroom or searching online should simply be to see what’s available. Don’t make a split-second decision, but instead sleep on it.
Gather all the information you need to make a knowledgeable decision. Then, once you’ve evaluated everything involved, you can move forward with the transaction.
4. Disregarding Your Trade-In / Sell Off
If you plan to trade in your older car, you want to research the value of it. Look online and various market places to determine what similar vehicles are selling for.
Of course, you can sell it privately and get more money for your car, but trading it in is less of a hassle and often worth getting a lower price.
5. Picking a Car Because It’s Unique
You might think you want to stand out in town and there is nothing wrong with such a decision, but that’s not the way to shop. Driving the only model means you are also a pioneer.
You might not be able to find a reliable service center to work on your vehicle and there will be a lack of parts when you need repairs done.
Instead, consider purchasing a car that will align with the location it will mostly be used and making it uniquely yours. You can get a custom paint job or add some new parts to help it stand out. This way you have a car that’s easy to work on but also expresses your unique style.
6. Buying the Cheapest Car Thinking You Got a Good Deal
When a deal seems too good to be true, it often is. You might be tempted to go with motor dealers that sells their cars at dirt cheap prices, but you need to ask yourself how they can do that.
If they are reliable, legitimate cars, they wouldn’t be able to sell them lower than everyone else. By saving money this way, you might be investing in a stolen vehicle or something that’s been repaired after a major crash.
You don’t want a car that’s been rebuilt after a severe accident. Unfortunately, many unsuspecting buyers put themselves and family at risk by going this route.
7. Allowing Yourself to Be Pressured
When you walk into a car dealership, salespeople are ready to pounce. That’s because their commission depends on what kind of car you purchase. This causes them to apply some pressure tactics. Be ready to hear things like:
- “This deal is only valid today.”
- “What will it take to get you in this car?”
- “I had another person looking at this one earlier today. You’ll want to jump on it quickly.”
What you want is someone that cares about your needs. They should be asking questions such as:
- “What are your needs?”
- “Are you looking for anything particular?”
- “What is your budget?”
If you feel pressured at any time throughout the process, you should walk away. Buying a car is a big decision and not something you should rush into
You don’t have to make these mistakes, when you are purchasing a car from the United States. With our full buying-service, all your needs are handled from step one through the final delivery. Tellz Auto will take the stress out of your car buying experience. We offer guidance from start to finish and will help you negotiate a great deal on the perfect vehicle. For more information, give us a call at +1 512-400-4243 / +234 (803) 650-2556 or Get Started today.