A Beginner's Guide to Buying a Car

A car is not only a means from commuting to and from a job, it's the freedom and ability to go wherever you want without having to rely upon someone else to get there. It's also a necessity unless you are in a more urban area with plenty of public transportation. Although buying a new car can be an exhilarating experience, it can be equally frustrating if you don't know the basics to getting the best deals in your area. Especially if this is your first time buying a car, you need to take into consideration a few key aspects to ensure you purchase vehicle that you want and that will last.

Where to Begin

Before you even head to a car dealership, you need to ask yourself a few questions.

* Who will drive the car?

Who is driving the car can determine safety needs and ease of use. For example, if you are buying a car for your teenager, you may want something that has a reliable safety record. This will help put you at ease while your child is driving on their own.

* Where will I be driving most often?

This determines the wear and tear that your vehicle will experience. For example, you aren't going to want a truck with excessive gas usage if you intend to drive an hour to and from work each day. If this is the case, you are going to want a car with great gas mileage. You may even want to consider a hybrid if you intend to frequently use the vehicle. These kinds of cars generally cost more up front, but can save you money in the long run if you intend to travel often.

* What is the main use of the vehicle?

You need to figure out the kind of vehicle you need and to do so, you need to know its primary use. For example, if you have children that play sports, a minivan is helpful for safely transporting your kids and their equipment to games. Alternatively, if you are a single woman or man with a job that involves hauling large art pieces or heavy-duty equipment, a truck with a large bed will make it easy to get your supplies in and out of the vehicle.

New or Used

There are pros and cons to both new and used vehicles. Newer cars obviously come without any issues; you are the first owner and are guaranteed a vehicle that will run smoothly for at least a few years. The downside to purchasing a new vehicle is the cost, not only for the monthly lease rate, but also for insurance. Newer cars carry a higher insurance rate, so as you budget take the time to review car insurance rates as well. This will help you to better understand what you can afford.

Used cars have an abundance of positive benefits as well. Especially with the right dealer, a used vehicle is thoroughly checked and guaranteed to a certain standard. The monthly lease fees are generally lower, as well as the car insurance rates. The downside to a used vehicle is that the maintenance may cost more and at times there are fees associated with car troubles that can sometimes arise with older vehicles. Once again, this is where budgeting comes into play to help you figure out what you can afford.

Choosing a Dealership

If you are unfamiliar with car makes and models, the key to buying a car is a reliable dealership. A quick online search will bring up the names of car dealerships in your area. Take the time to look over each one. Read online reviews to reveal how helpful a dealership was in getting a customer into the right car. Avoid dealerships with continued negative reviews. Narrow your search by checking how long they have been in business and whether they have a high percentage of positive reviews. You'll want at least three different dealerships to visit.

Head over to each to get a feel for the kind of sales people on site. Are they helpful, and not pushy? Are they knowledgeable, while listening to what you need? Avoid car dealerships that seem as if they are trying to convince you to buy something you don't need, especially if you have decided to get a used car. Sometimes dealers will push a car that's been on the lot for too long. If you feel uncomfortable, choose a different dealership. Buying a car is a serious commitment, and you shouldn't feel obligated to buy something you don't want.

About the Author: Toby B. Jackson is a contributing author. He was recently in need of a new car and used autojocks.com for the best assistance possible to find his new SUV.