What Should You Get for Your First Car?

Lulu Tamboboy

Car Financing

Feb 20, 2022

You’ve just acquired your driver’s license and are now confident to drive your own car. But, you are still yet to buy your first vehicle and have no idea what kind is right for you, as well as how to get it. There are still a lot of questions that need to be answered, such as whether it’s a want or a need and what is it for, being able to afford it and its hidden costs, how much can you spend long-term, etc.; before you go to the car dealer and drive your new baby away.

Considering these factors and many others is important because they would help you determine what kind of car you should get, especially if you’re a first-timer. Here are the different types you can look into:

BRAND NEW CARS

This option relies heavily on how much you can spend on your new car. If your parents or guardians are willing to purchase a car for you, or you have accumulated enough wealth to allow you to choose the best features that would suit your needs; then, by all means, get a brand new one.

However, you also have to consider its long-term costs. Of course, a brand new car will get you so far. That is if you give it proper maintenance and secure it with insurance. So, you have to make sure you’ll be able to spend on these in the future just in case your parents are only giving you a one-time deal.

A number of ideal models for first-time buyers are:

  • Honda Accord
  • Honda CR-V
  • Subaru Legacy
  • Subaru Forester
  • Toyota RAV4
  • Kia Optima


USED CARS

Who wouldn’t want a brand new car? But, most first-time purchasers can’t afford one. If you are one who has just enough budget, it’s usually a good idea to buy a cheaper, smaller car that will be less expensive to repair and maintain. That way, you may gain experience owning, maintaining, and driving a car without blowing your budget on an expensive purchase.

Buying a secondhand car is typically one of the best investments you can make. You have to manage your expectations, though, because a used car will, by definition, have faults due to normal wear and tear. As a result, if you’re looking for a used car, it’s essential to do all the necessary steps in buying a used car, including:

  • Financing options
  • Checking by a mechanic
  • Running a vehicle history report
  • Test driving
  • And most importantly, buying from a reputable dealership

It’s crucial to evaluate what you can afford by understanding the “hidden” costs of buying a car, whether it’s brand new or used, and the costs of its ownership. Once you have ample knowledge and have already shopped for the car you want to buy, GDFI will gladly assist you in financing your first-ever vehicle. We will help you stay within your budget in an easy and hassle-free way, guaranteed.