11 Tips for First Time Car Buyers (in 2024)
I am a serial entrepreneur and a consumer advocate. When I’m not helping car buyers, I love working on ventures that have a positive impact.
I run a cause marketing agency and serve on the board of Vayu Global Health where we are disrupting the medical industry and preventing the needless deaths of mothers and babies during childbirth.
Few purchases are quite as exciting as your first car. Most of us dreamed of that magical day when we would turn 16 and could legally get out on the road. Whether you are shopping for your first car as a teen or not until later, being a first-time car buyer is both exhilarating and stressful.
If you’ve never owned a car before or are helping someone else through the process, here are a few things to consider as a first-time car buyer before making the big purchase.
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Table of Contents
1 - Determine a budget
When determining a realistic budget for your vehicle, you must consider the monthly payment you can afford and the total cost of ownership. There are many aspects that affect the total cost of owning a car on top of the price you pay at the dealership. The biggest factors are:
- Financing: Without much credit history, you probably won’t qualify for the best interest rates available on a car loan (unless you co-sign). Each % point your rate goes up can add hundreds of dollars onto the total amount paid over the course of the loan.
- Car Insurance: Young drivers up to age 25 (especially men) have the highest insurance premiums of all age groups (hundreds or even thousands more in annual premiums). This makes sense when you think about it; newer drivers have less experience avoiding accidents, and young men typically drive faster than other demographics. If you are interested in a sporty car, you can expect premiums to be even higher.
- Maintenance Costs: Often overlooked, be prepared to spend money on the basics regularly: tires, oil changes, and brakes. And for older cars, you can count on a lot more unexpected maintenance and repairs to keep a car running smoothly.
- Gas: Gas is a hidden cost of car ownership that quickly adds up. If you drive just 200 miles a week, get 20 MPG, and gas is $2.75/gal (probably not for much longer), you’ll spend $1,430 a year on gas!
2 - Save for a Down Payment
After you’ve figured out what monthly payment you can afford, you’re still going to need to come up with about 20% for a down payment. While it is possible to get a loan with no money down, as a first-time car buyer without a credit history, lenders will likely require one. The bigger the down payment, the smaller the loan you will need, and the less interest you will pay in the long run. Some tips to help save for a down payment include:
- Consider Down Payment: Choose a car with a down payment that’s reasonable for you to save up. Even if you can afford a certain monthly payment, the vehicle may not make sense for you as a first-time buyer if it requires an enormous down payment.
- Separate Bank Account: Create a separate bank account and dedicate a certain amount of money to save each month.
- Save: Save all gifted money (from birthdays, holidays, and bonuses) for your down payment.
- Budget: Create a monthly budget to reduce extraneous expenses.
3 - Research, Research, Research
You can even get started on research before getting your license. Most dealerships now list their inventory online, and you can research everything from the comfort of home. There are literally hundreds of car buying websites (including the one you’re on) that let you research car deals, safety ratings, the total cost of ownership, residual values, you name it. Use your research to uncover:
- The car types you are most interested in.
- Features and add-ons that you need, want, and could live without.
- The market value of the vehicle you want. Compare the market value of the brand new vehicle, used vehicle from a dealership, and used vehicles from private sellers.
- Who is selling relevant vehicles in your area?
4 - Strongly Consider Buying a Used Car
There’s nothing wrong with buying a used car! You could even buy an auctioned car from the dealership or a beater car, and for many new car owners, a used car makes the most sense. Did you know that new cars typically depreciate 20% the moment you drive off the lot? If you’ve been saving money for a $22,000 car, that immediate $4,400 loss can hurt! To ensure you buy a quality used vehicle:
- Thoroughly review its interior and exterior condition.
- Get the car history report (CarFax report) to review its accident history, maintenance records, condition, mileage, and title information.
- Ask questions. If a private seller is selling it, find out why they are selling.
- Get a pre-sale inspection from an independent mechanic if you are seriously considering the vehicle.
5 - Pick a Car Type, Not a Model
A common mistake for first-time car buyers is to fall in love with a particular model or trim. If you are looking for a very specific model used car, you will limit your options and likely end up spending too much. Instead, think about a class of car like a sedan, SUV, or truck and keep your options open. Consider which vehicle type is best for your needs.
For example, if you have a long commute or plan to make a lot of road trips, safety ratings and MPG will be critical factors to consider. Used car websites will provide significantly more results for every budget if you search by type of vehicle.
6 - Shop Online
Before the Internet, you were stuck with whatever cars were in stock at your local used car dealership. Now you can get prices from multiple dealers at once and drive down the car price. Start your search for a vehicle online, checking dealerships in your area or around the country. Check on used car sites as well and other private marketplaces for cars being sold by the owner. Even if you do not complete your purchase online, it’s an excellent place to begin your search and complete your research so you can make an informed decision.
7 - Expand Your Search Radius
Another trap is to only search for cars in your zip code. But why limit yourself? You could find great deals by expanding your search to a much larger radius. The wider your search radius, the more likely you will find vehicles that meet your criteria. You could always buy a car out of state and even get a car shipped if need be. But consider taking a road trip if the price is right.
8 - Get an Inspection
After you’ve found a used car, you’ll want to ask some questions and get a pre-purchase inspection. While you can examine the car yourself, it’s best to trust the trained eye of a mechanic. Pre-sale inspections typically cost a couple of hundred dollars, but they are worth every penny if they prevent you from buying a lemon.
9 - Learn How to Negotiate
Whether this is your first car or your 5th, make sure you negotiate the best price. Negotiating may seem intimidating as a first-time car buyer, but it’s vital to ensure you get the best possible deal. Learn the ins and outs of negotiating the best car price here.
10 - Skip the Lease
Car leases can be great if you want to drive a new car every three years, but a lifetime of leases will cost you tens of thousands of dollars more than buying and owning. If you want to start building wealth, consider buying and holding cars for as long as possible.
But if this is your only option, make sure to research the best time to lease a car.
11 - Get Financing
How do you get a loan with little or no credit history? This is probably your biggest challenge. Some dealerships or banks will work with people with little history or bad credit, but you can expect to pay high rates. If you’re considering buying a car in the next few years, start building your credit now with a credit card, and make sure to pay on time consistently.
However, if the time to buy a car is now and you don’t have the cash to buy a car outright, your best bet may be to get a co-signer for your auto loan. This is a great option if you have a parent or relative willing to vouch for your creditworthiness. In the long run, it can also help you build credit if you make your payments on time. Keep in mind though that if you miss payments, you not only damage your own credit but the co-signers as well.
In Summary
Determine the total cost of ownership before deciding if you can afford a new vehicle. Create a budget that includes all your costs and strongly consider buying used. Whether you decide on a new car or a used car, make sure you get online car quotes and negotiate with multiple dealers over email.
By following the steps above, you’ll be able to get a vehicle that meets your needs and your budget. Then, it’s time to enjoy your freedom on the road! Although it should go without saying, please remember to always wear a seatbelt and don’t drink and drive.
