8 mistakes when buying your first car

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Almost everyone makes mistakes when buying their first car. What are the most common mistakes? Read on and find out.

1. Wrong car

Do you have any expectations about the future car. For example, let's say you want to go for a picnic with friends every weekend. Or you want a two-seater car, just for yourself and for your significant other.

But reality makes its own adjustments: friends are always busy, and there is an addition in the family.

This is not so important if you can change the car at any time. But such opportunities are the exception rather than the rule. When choosing a model, imagine that it will be with you for many years.

2. An uneconomical machine

If you do not have a driving experience, then you can hardly imagine how much money it actually takes to refuel.

Fuel prices are not encouraging and are unlikely to be pleasing in the near future. The cost of gas when buying an uneconomical car can be unsettling, especially if you start to actively use the car.

Car maintenance is expensive. And you will quickly feel that money is flying into the exhaust pipe.

The same applies to the cost of spare parts. The car will still have to be repaired, even on the smallest detail. Before buying, see how much you will have to spend on standard repairs.

Visit forums where car owners of the brand you are interested in talk about their cars. You will immediately find out about the problem areas of the car. And then think about whether your wallet will pull such expenses.

3. Unexpected repairs

“Buy a used one! Why do you need a new one right away? - this advice is often given to beginners.

Of course, used cars are cheaper. And it's not so bad to scratch them, for example. But even experienced motorists cannot determine if a used car is doing well. To do this, you need to be an experienced auto mechanic.

Even checking the car is advised at reliable, "their" stations, and not at those advised by the seller. Hidden defects can be very expensive. So if you decide to choose a used car, go shopping with a mechanic. Even if his services cost several thousand, you will save more.

And this is not to mention the fact that a car malfunction can cost not only money, but also health.

4. Machine "for slaughter"

"Buy something worse: you don't mind breaking, and you will learn to drive!" - this is generally the number one advice from experienced drivers.

Now think about why you are taking the car. To break it or to ride it? To be sure to learn how to repair yourself or to move from point A to point B?

Beginners feel uncomfortable driving. If you put them in control of a "killed" car, it will only get worse. Why create additional difficulties for yourself and take risks when you can buy not the most expensive, but reliable car and get used to the roads already on it, is not clear.

5. A car for the sake of show off

Before choosing a car, think about what you will do on it. The car should be reliable, take you to your destination without any problems and accommodate the things that you usually carry with you. Cars are full of upgrade possibilities, but basic functions cannot be expanded.

It is believed that a beautiful and fashionable car will impress others and make your life better. However, just a good, reliable car can do the same.

Approach your choice of car as a tool and don't let your emotions drive your decision.

6. Hopes for future profits

Cars are expensive, but this does not mean that the investment in a car will pay off (we are not talking about business now, but about a personal car). When reselling, any car loses in value only due to the fact of a change of ownership. In the salon, they will recommend you a more expensive car and will say that it will cost you even when it is sold. This is not an argument worth listening to. Let's say an automatic transmission will cost more when sold. But this will have little effect on the overall decline in the cost of a used car.

So the car is not an investment. Keep costs to a minimum and buy a safe and reliable vehicle.

7. Buying without bargaining

If you went for a used car, then keep in mind that the seller's price tag is indicative. Bargaining can and should be, as a rule, sellers are ready to drop the price. To achieve this, you need to thoroughly inspect the car and ask questions about its condition. An attentive and experienced buyer can reduce the price by tens of thousands of rubles. Either study the forums to figure out what to ask, or still take a mechanic with you who will ask for you.

8. Car on credit right in the salon

When buying a car is almost a done deal, the last pitfall remains to be avoided. Especially if you decide to take a car loan. So, you are almost standing in front of your car, and then the dealer says that you can buy it this very second on special conditions. Just sign the loan agreement, and then every month you will have to pay nothing at all.

Here you need to make an effort of will and not sign. Read carefully what conditions are offered to you. Often, loans in the salons are unprofitable, they are given at a high interest rate. It is better to study the offers of banks and find the best option. Do this before going to the salon so you don't tempt yourself.