Can anyone give me advice about buying my first car?

I am an experienced driver, but i've never owned a car before...


How affordable is leasing or financing....


ANY advice at all will help.Can anyone give me advice about buying my first car?
Yes.


This first thing to do is choose a vehicle. Do you want a car? minivan? truck? SUV? Then get more specific, car.. sports car or family car, economical car, flashy car, is mileage important? Price? Size? Seating? Options?


Once you have chosen your vehicle, it is important to have 3 possible choices, each similar in price, features, and reputation. To get a better price when you buy a car, you need to be a little flexible...like with colors and options. The more flexible you are the better deal you will get.


Next consult a blue book. Be carful here. Some books vary in value. The dealers use a specific blue book that is official, available at any major book store. Look up the vehicles value from this year and last year. Remember to take into account mileage, options and condition. Compare that price to the retail listing on-line or on the sticker price. This should give you an idea about the depreciation. This is important because you may want to trade this car in after a few years and it also gives you an idea about how much you should pay for that specific new car. If the blue book value is $15000 for last years exact model, and the dealer wants $20000 for a new model, you may want to reconsider.


Next contact the local dealers via e-mail or by phone. Tell them exactly what type of vehicle you are looking for and ask them for a price quote. Be sure you get specific information on the vehicle, such as the VUN number, the model, engine size, options...everything. You don't want to be bait for car dealers. Give them a cell phone number and refuse giving in to visiting the dealer ';just to talk';. Get an exact price on an a specific vehicle. Do not discuss financing. Discuss only the price. Take at least 3 quotes from 3 different vehicles from each dealer. This will have several of the same models with small variations. If you are willing to make the drive, contact dealer outside of town. You might be interested in a vehicle that is in high demand in your town, but in moderate or low demand in another. (Though you should know that most dealers prefer to only honor ';warranty'; related services to vehicles they have sold. They are notorious for inventing reasons why your vehicles problem is not covered in your warranty or they will take their sweet time fixing the vehicle. So keep this in mind when considering buying a vehicle outside of your city).


Next locate your financing. Apply with your dealer via fax or online. Apply at your bank and with an on-line lender. Get the best deal available to you, you deserve it.


Get all the details on the payments. Some dealers like to use 72 month financing to make payments seem lower. That is 6 years of payments to a car with warranty of 3 years (usually). Others like to add payment insurance to the payment or other add ons.


Choose the best deal. Contact the dealer via phone and re-confirm everything, the car, the price, the financing (if applicable). Set up a meeting date, and ask them to have all the paper work ready.


Show up with all your info, check stubs, licence, money, etc. If they begin to deviate at all or seem unprepareed you are best leaving ASAP.


Pay and leave happy.Can anyone give me advice about buying my first car?
The best advice I can give is to take someone older and with experience with you. Don't let the salesman pressure you for a decision right away. Go with a certain price in mind that you will not go over. Check for different types of financing. I really don't care too much for leasing because then you have a perpetual car payment!!! I'd rather take care of my car and have it paid off in 4 years. Also, the extended warranty cost alot and is not worth it. Good luck!!
I would try to buy instead of lease unless you trade cars often.





Also if you are buying used, be sure to make sure the car hasn't been in a major accident (minor ones that only damage the bumper are fine) or had flood damage.





And last of all I would go to www.edmunds.com and get my research done before hand. Edmunds.com is a treasure trove of information and if used properly it can make even the most clueless car buyer feel confident when negotiating.
Check Consumer Reports. They have articles on whether leasing or financing would be best for you. Every year they come out with a guide just for buying New and Used Cars. They rate them all on reliability and comfort. I would also look into joining a Credit Union. Not only do they have good rates on car loans for their members, they have good car sales too.
leasing isnt good. its like renting long term. go with a used car. about 2-3 years old. it would still be fairly new but at a price of a used car- about 25% cheaper than a brand new car. dont be afraid to shop around. if you are a member of a credit union, do your financing with them. Their rates are lower.
NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER lease. Try to work with the money you have if all else fails then MABYE try to finance and if that doesnt work, you dont need a car.


Do NOT get an american car, or atleast try to avoid getting one. Honda accords, and civics last a long time, or any honda for that matter.also acura of course. Hondas are also inexpensive,go for mabye 90' to 93' accords and most model civics.go for the one that is the cheapest and least mile possibe.





happy to help
If you are planning on getting a used car, I recommend that you find a good mechanic first, then have them check out any vehicle you test drive.
Carpoint is a good place to do some research on new and old model vehicles and get an idea of pricing...take a mechanic with you...perferibly one your family trusts. If you are a young woman...take your father or older brother...