4 things you need to ask yourself before buying your first car

Buying a car is a huge investment that should be well thought of. It’s something that you don’t want to regret after making the purchase. Thus, to help you decide correctly, here are the things that you need to ask yourself before buying your first car.

Where do I need it for?

The type of  the car you’ll buy depends on where and how you will use it. If you’re buying a family car, 7-seaters such as MPVs or SUVs are more suitable. Since Filipinos are fond of keeping their extended family intact, a 10- or even 12-seater van can be a better choice as well.

Moreover, if you plan to take your new ride outdoor, pickup trucks can suit you since they have off-road capabilities. Lastly, if it’s just for personal use or a small family, then compact cars and sedans is just right for you with its 5 seating capacity.

How much can I spend on it?

In addition to your purpose, the amount that you’re willing to spend is also a factor to consider when buying a car. The price of a vehicle differ from each segment and class. Moreover, if you’ll be purchasing through financing schemes, you have to consider the amount for downpayment and monthly amortization. Set a realistic budget and stick on it; failure to do so could end up having your car repossessed.

If you can afford a brand new car, then you’re better off with that since its technology is newer and it will be long until you replace some of its parts. After all, the budget that you’ll allocate for your car doesn’t end on its price tag.

Otherwise, quality used cars can be your next option. You just need to be cautious as there are fraudulent sellers out there that you need to avoid. For trustworthy and licensed dealers of used cars, you can browse through AutoDeal’s Used Cars section.

Do I have a place to park?

One of the main culprits of in-city traffic jams is street side parking. This is a result of people buying vehicles without considering where to park it. Aside from your social responsibility, your parking space could also determine the size of the car that you want to buy – SUVs take up more space so if you’re planning to get one, make sure that you have a spot for it.

Do I have enough paperwork?

When buying a brand new car through financing from either the dealership or the bank, documents or paperwork are needed in order to assess if you’re capable of paying them back. These include credit statements, proof of billing, valid IDs, and income tax return.

Have these documents ready before proceeding on your purchase and always ask the sales agent for the complete list of requirements just to make sure. This can make the transaction as quick and smooth as possible.

Tip: Research about the car and schedule a test drive.

Once you’ve chosen a car by its looks, it’s your duty to know more about what’s beneath the surface. You can search through the AutoDeal Blog page for articles that might have been written about it.

In addition to that, you can also compare your next car to other models within its segment. Using AutoDeal’s Car Comparison tool, you can see its specs go head-to-head against its toughest competition in the market. This way, you will have a clear idea if your hard-earned money will be spent wisely on the better vehicle based on their specs.

Lastly, the best way to judge a car is by doing a test drive. After all, it will be you who’ll be using the car so it’s better that you get behind its steering wheel and experience it for yourself before doing the final purchase.

Buying your first car can be nerve racking and stressful but with proper knowledge, we’re sure that you will be able to get the perfect ride for you. Keep these questions in mind and don’t hesitate to ask the sales agent that will handle your inquiry.