Tips for buying your first car

TJ Lucero, Reporter

Everybody gets excited when they’re about to get their first car. After saving up enough money to finally get their favorite one, they wake up in excitement knowing that they finally can get the car they want. It’s the ticket to freedom. Here are some tips on what to consider when buying your first car.   

Tip 1: Make sure you can afford it! Even if you have enough money for the car, make sure you can afford all the other expenses that comes along with it. Other expenses include insurance, maintenance, tires, and putting gas in the tank. If you’re going to make payments make sure you can afford each payment. Also, make sure you’re getting a good deal, there are many websites that can tell you the value of the car you want to buy.

Tip 2: Pick a car that fits you. Find the engine you want, the drivetrain, the transmission type, and the body style you like. If you find a car you like, ask if you can take it for a test drive to see if you like the way it drives. Also, if you live in an area where the weather conditions are harsh, make sure the car can handle them.

Tip 3: Make sure the car has a good history. Make sure the car has a clean title. Ask the owner if they’ve been in a car accident before. Also, there are websites that can check the car’s maintenance records by just typing in the vehicle identification number (V.I.N.) into the site. When you’re driving the car, see if you feel or hear any issues with the car. Also, check for any damage and make sure everything works. Go for a test drive, if you can, and see if there is any problems with the car when you’re driving. If there is major issues with the car then walk away a look for a different one.  

Tip 4: Negotiate on the price of your car. Try to get the price of the car down. Don’t be to stubborn about the price, or the seller won’t want to sell the car to you. Bring someone with car expertise so you can get the car for the price you want. If you’re a teenager, bring a parent.

When you get your car, have fun, but be careful. Make sure you have everything you need to enjoy your first car.