Top Tips For First Time Buyers

Experience is all well and good but if you’re a first time buyer in the car market there are a number of pit falls you need to look out for. Looking for a car is an arduous task, and no one would envy a first time buyer. This is why we have decided to compile some useful tips for first time car buyers beginning with the issue of financing your purchase.

It is all very well getting carried away and deciding you want a certain car, but for many first time buyers the reality of a car means a tight financial situation will become a reality. Many of us buy our first car in our late teens or early twenties and can be a bit strapped for cash beforehand, let alone afterwards.

Its imperative to, do the sums and see if you can afford the car and keep up with the monthly repayments, insurance and fuel? These are just the basic necessities before considering things like break downs and other unforeseen circumstances.

Check out the insurance and the fuel cost before hand and see if you can get costs down by using price comparison sites. Research is the key to a good deal.

Like with any purchase preparation is central to getting a bargain. Explore the car market, research the cars you like and make enquiries about costs, known areas of fault and expense to repair. Many websites and car magazines will give you prices for the average value and mileage of a car – look these up and then be prepared to barter, using the average prices as a marker.

Keep a close eye on the spec of car you’re getting. Cars can differ widely in the extras that are available. Decide exactly which options are necessities and which are simply desirable.

It ‘s great to be a mechanical whizz when looking for a used car, but if you don’t know your fender from your alternator it’s advisable to take someone along that does.  If you don’t have a close friend or relative who can give the car a quick once over and determine if it is mechanically sound, there are many companies out there that can check out your potential purchase for a small fee – stumping up for their services pay dividends when you end up with a gem that causes you no problems for years to come.

When buying a car don’t just go in and agree the price that is asked. The dealer or person selling will usually give a certain amount of leeway. Profit margins can be large, so bargain at around 10-15 percent below the asking price and move up in increments. Have a set price you are willing to pay and stick to it.