Buying your first car is always an exciting experience, but there’s always a lot to manage. No matter your financial situation, getting a car is still a significant financial investment, and you should ensure that you get it right the first time. From getting your budget right to ensuring that you pick out the right car, the planning process can be quite hectic; especially when you are doing this for the first time.

So, are you thinking about getting your first car? Congratulations. Are you concerned about landing with a vehicle that will leave you with regrets? Then consider the following essential tips to help purchase the right car…

What kind of car do you need? The first thing you need to do is research. First of all, ask yourself some crucial questions. What do you need the car for? What kind of streets do you expect to drive on? What is the weather like where you live? The questions will guide your research and tell you the kind of car you need and the features you should look out for. For example, if you need a business vehicle, you might be looking for something quite different from a family car; if you live in an urban area, consider an electric car. If you live in a snowy area, you should pay attention to specific features that can handle the weather.

Next, research about the car brands available, their reviews, which brands are ideal for your purpose, and find out brands are available where you live. For example, if you prefer Mazda Cars, take the time to find which models are available and the ones that will best suit the purpose you want a car for.

Figure out how much you can afford: Unless you have a fat bank account with millions you can spare, you should be realistic with how much you can afford to spend on a car. The last thing you want to do is go bankrupt because of your new vehicle (or having it be totaled). Now you have a fair idea of what kind of car you need and the features you should look out for. This info has helped narrow your search to specifics. Now you need to take the time to create a budget to cover every expected cost for your car. A car is not only a one-time financial commitment, as it requires you to invest in maintenance, fuel, etc. therefore, but it is also vital to ensure that your budget covers every expected expense.

Photo, Rahul Bhogal.

Locate a reliable car dealer: As mentioned, doing your research is very important. Fortunately, you don’t need to visit a dealer immediately with all your questions, as there are so many websites and blogs you can use for your research. If there are some issues you need further clarity on, write them down and take them to the dealership. It is essential to ensure that you visit a reliable and registered car dealer after your research. The best car dealers are the ones that will not only take the time to answer your questions but will also give you the chance to test drive the car you want, especially if you’re planning to buy a used car. You can also take a mechanic you trust along to help ensure that you’re not ripped off if you’re visiting a used car dealer.

Don’t be afraid to explore your options: Don’t be afraid to visit as many car dealers as you can. The more options you make available to yourself, the better your chance of landing a better deal. Compare the offers you receive from each dealer and decide which one is best for you. Also, don’t hesitate to bargain when you can. Most prices you may find at most car dealerships are not the final offerings. You may be lucky to get better prices if you bargain. That is especially important when you visit used car dealers. Pay close attention to each car you inspect, ask questions, and determine if the vehicles have any issues. These could contain the bargaining chips you need to bring the prices down. Additionally, it would help if you look for car dealers that offer some aftersale services.

Get the paperwork and vehicle history: Before you drive off in the car of your choice, ensure that you get all the necessary paperwork done. Also, ensure that you ask for the vehicle history if you’re purchasing a used car, as the last thing you want is to drive off with a stolen vehicle. Also, ensure that you are given a chance to go for a test drive. That will help you assess the sound of the engine and vehicle’s performance.