Buying your first car is an experience to remember. There are plenty of choices you can make for your learner driver needs, but finding the best first car starts with the process and research of choosing the right one for you. It is very important to budget the pricing of your new car, do appropriate research on what you want for your first car, and take time and consideration in mind with the process before bringing your new car home.

To begin, what would your first car offer for your day-to-day life?

When picking out the right first car for you, you need to think about the distance you are traveling on a day-to-day basis, the supplies which you need to carry with you on your travels, and who may be accompanying you. If you are a single individual who drives to and from your work office, you may want to consider a smaller vehicle like a sedan or hatchback, that way you can carry the materials you need, but not have to drive a huge car that runs off of a lot of gas. If you are worried about the environment, you also need to consider how fuel-efficient you want to make your car. Consider if you want a hybrid car that can use electricity or gas, or a car that has a smaller tank so you can budget the amount you spend on gas monthly. 

If you are a parent or have children that will be joining you on your travels, you may want a minivan, truck, or bigger car that can hold all your passengers comfortably. You may also want that extra trunk space for long road trips or family visits to different destinations that require carrying a larger load on the back of your vehicle. 

The next step in purchasing the right vehicle for you is determining how much you want to spend on your first car. 

After considering the type of car you want, you want to decide how much you are willing to spend on such a car to meet the needs you have. If you are wanting your first car to be more affordable, you would be looking for a used car. Used vehicles although being driven before, tend to be more popular for first-time car buyers due to their affordability, and the fact that they have been tested prior to purchase, so you can entrust the quality would be just as good as when first bought as long as the past owner has taken proper care of the vehicle.

Getting a new car may be something within your budget, but you have to consider if you are privately buying your new car, or want to go directly through a dealership. New cars give you a fresh start on mileage and offer you the most spruced-up features that older models of cars may not have. 

All of these options are valid, as long as they meet the buyer’s budget and first car needs. 

Research is the next key step in getting the first car that is best for you.

Although you may have a budget and a price of a car set out for you, you want to research different brands that may be the most efficient for your first car needs. Family, friends, and sources provided online all give great input on what cars may be recommended, especially for first car buyers and learner drivers.

After an adequate amount of research is done for your first car, you can then make the bold step of talking to a seller and asking for key information.

Be sure to know what questions to ask your car seller. If the car is used, you are going to want to know a background check on any accidents or collisions the car may have been in, mechanical, or reasons behind the car being sold. For new cars, make sure to learn all the features the car has to offer and look into all of its specifications. Some features, although seemingly new and hi-tech, may not be necessary for an additional cost. 

Car Inspection is Key

Not only should you ask about the car to fulfill your research, but give the interior and exterior a thorough examination and check for any possible imperfections. 

Used cars, although seemingly in good condition upon first glance, may have chips in the paint, potential dents or dings, or other issues. It is always good to give it a third and fourth glance before deciding to purchase it right away. Also if your car may be new, have a seat in there and check out all the accessories and instruments it has to offer. Make sure to also check the trunk for any extra space, or hidden crannies that you can store away your items.

Take the New Car on Test Run

You never want to settle on just the looks of a vehicle. You should always take the car you are planning on owning for a test drive. Getting behind the wheel of the car gives you a feel for how it handles, how it drives when on the road for yourself, or any other potential issues that you want to catch that you wouldn’t be able to without the car being on the road.

If the car drives well, you may want to give it a look from your mechanic.

After the test run, you may want to rush and buy the car, but there are actually pre-purchase inspections that are offered by a mechanic to get details on both used and new vehicles. Usually, a used vehicle can have a full detailed examination done to determine the cosmetic, mechanical, and safety conditions of the vehicle that you may not have been able to catch. 

As for a new vehicle, on sight mechanics at the dealership can offer detailed descriptions of the car’s manufacturing process, as well as the ins and outs of the car’s handy accessories you may just not know all about. 

Before you buy, settle on a price.

Your car may have passed all your checks in terms of what you want and need for your first car, but does it meet your budget? Going a little bit over your budget can seem troubling, which is why it is good to negotiate with the seller on a value that works best for the two of you. You want a fair price for the vehicle you will be calling your own for the next few years, and you don’t want to go heavily into debt to meet your needs. 

Once you have come to an agreement on the price of the car, you can be all ready to buy it! Getting your first car is always exciting. If you are buying from a dealership, they can offer the steps to complete the sale and even offer insurance on the car in case you are planning to keep it further down the line. If you are finalizing the sale with a private seller for a used vehicle, make sure you know all the regulations of legalizing buying the car in your country and province and finish the payment.