Looks like everything’s falling into place. Whether you’re killing it at your career, or about to take the next step in building a family – one thing’s for sure: all the hard work has finally paid off now that you’ve decided to get your own car.
But hold on. Make sure to protect your hard-earned investment by knowing what not to do. Refrain from making these rookie mistakes:
1. Not doing your research
As a first-time car buyer, it’s important to gather all the necessary info you need to make an informed decision. This includes reading reviews, researching online, and checking out all your options. It would also help to talk to people who bought the car you’re looking into so you could have an idea of the overall automobile experience.
2. Choosing the “cheapest” deal
What not a lot of buyers consider is that buying the cheapest deal can turn out to be more costly in the long run! Buying used cars may cause more trouble for you what with all repairs. You should also think about the interest you’ll need to pay especially for a longer loan duration.
3. Being ignorant of the total cost of owning a car
Buying a car is not just taking care of the monthly payments. When budgeting, you should factor in all the “hidden” costs – may it be maintenance, gas, parking, interests, and insurance.
4. Not taking it out for a test drive
Figure out if you’re eyeing the right car through a test drive. Here, you can visualize if the car meets your overall needs – Is there enough space for the household here? Is it a comfortable ride? Is there enough space for my stuff to fit in here?
5. Saying yes to unnecessary fees
The key is to be honest with yourself and know what you truly need in a car. You don’t have to agree every time the dealership includes extras like extended warranty and rustproofing.
6. Forgetting to read the manual
This may seem like common sense, but it bears repeating – please read the manual that comes with your car. It will help you learn more about your vehicle, with details about warranty service, and vehicle maintenance. Your manual includes how to activate certain car features, decoding warning signs, and tips such as the correct tire pressure to use.
7. Ignoring scheduled car maintenance
Yes, it might be a hassle, but you should really follow through on your scheduled car maintenance. It only makes sense to protect one of the biggest financial purchases you’ll make. Help keep your car in tip-top shape and diagnose future car issues so you’ll have a safe journey ahead.
We hope this helps you make the wise choice and pick the right car.
To truly make the most of your investment, you should consider purchasing Motor Excel Plus, a comprehensive car insurance that protects you from accidents and keeps you and your passengers safe. Avail of 24-hour road assistance service and convenient claims processing. To top it all off, you can get a quote in just 1 day! Find out more about it here.