What you should know before you purchase your first vehicle.
Whether you’re a teen who’s just passed their driving test or someone who’s finally saved up enough to take the plunge, buying your first car is an extraordinary feeling. You’ll finally be able to come and go as you please, but there’s one more hurdle that you need to clear: finding the right car. Buying a car is a big decision, and it’ll probably be one of the greatest financial decisions you make thus far.
Here’s what you need to consider before buying your very first set of wheels.
Your Situation
Do you need a compact car that is ideal for city driving? Do you want a large vehicle for sporting equipment and a mountain bike? Before you go car shopping, first decide on what type of car you’ll need. If you’re open to any car, narrow down what features you do want, and the others you don’t mind missing out on.
Budget
Take a look at your budget and figure out how much money you’ve got left after your basic needs and monthly bills. Keep in mind that with that budget, you’ll need to afford to tax the vehicle, fuel it, and insure it. If you’re buying a second-hand older car, then reliability will be key. After all, you don’t want to put all your hard-earned cash into something that just keeps breaking down and wearing on your wallet.
Research
Once you have a car in mind (and within your budget), do some research on the vehicle. Previous and current owners will be able to tell you if there are common issues, how it handles, and more. In the age of technology, put it to use!
Test
Head to the dealership to give it a spin. See how it handles on streets and then take it on the freeway to test out the speed. Check that it has all the features that you want in a car (for example, cruise control and Bluetooth) and go with your gut instinct! If it feels right, you can move forward with purchasing it. If not, keep looking!
Whatever your new vehicle, you’ll have to insure it. Let the insurance professionals handle your car insurance! Visit the industry experts at Kurt Rolf Insurance Agency, serving Minnesota, Wisconsin, Florida, South Dakota, and Arizona.
