Things You Should Know When Shopping for Your First Car | OK Carz

Happy teen sitting inside a car

5 Tips for Buying Your First Vehicle

For many teens, earning a driver’s license is an exciting moment. Now that you have your license, it’s time to start shopping for your first car. As to be expected, most young adults looking to purchase a vehicle don’t know the best methods to approach. Here are five things you should know when shopping for your first car.

[ READ MORE: Best Ways to Find Affordable Car Insurance as a Teenager ]

  1. Know Your Budget
    • Before you visit a dealership, decide your price range. What’s the maximum amount you are willing to spend? Is it $5,000? Is it $10,000? Are you planning on taking out a loan or purchasing outright? If you plan to loan, calculate how much you can afford to pay every month.
  2. Research What Kind of Car You Want
    • Every new car buyer should understand what kind of car you want. For example, there are big differences between driving a sedan and a truck. It’s a good idea to take some time to research different vehicles to get an idea of what you are looking for. Most first time buyers purchase a sedan as these cars are the most affordable and first-time buyers usually only need a reliable commute.
  3. Take the Vehicle Out for a Test Drive
    • Cars are expensive and repairs are costly. If you find a car you are interested in, inspect the interior and exterior for damage or areas of concern. Next, take the vehicle out for a test drive. Listen for anything that sounds off and play around with the features like the air conditioning and radio. It’s better to say no to an offer than to pay for costly repairs later.
  4. Consider Cosigning
    • You are young and likely have little to no credit. Something every first car buyer should consider is a cosigner. This should be someone you trust, like a parent. By cosigning with someone, both people agree to pay off the loan on time. Have a serious conversation with your parents if you are considering cosigning.
  5. Finalize the Deal and Pay on Time
    • Finally, once you find a car you like at the price you can afford, it’s time to finalize the deal. Solidify your payment plan with the seller and make payments on time every month until the vehicle is fully paid off.

Here at OkCarz, we will be honored to be your first dealership. You can start browsing our inventory right on our website. Have questions about one of our vehicles? Contact us and we will be happy to help in any way we can.

Cars parked in a row in a car lot

Sharing is caring!

Contact Information

So we may route your inquiry to the right person, please include your zip code.

 Phone     Email     Text Message

Index