Most Important Factors When Buying Your First Car
Posted Wednesday, Sep 21, 2022
College is one of the most defining and enjoyable moments of your life. It is at this time that you decide what you want to dedicate your life to and who you want to be. One of the most important lessons that a person will learn is how to be responsible with the freedom they are given. While there are many ways to enjoy this new freedom, getting your first car is one of them. Not only will it give you more independence, but it will also guarantee your safety and comfort while riding around campus. One of the concerns of many students, however, is what type of car they can get with their budget. Fortunately, there are many reliable used cars with a variety of styles and price ranges to choose from. What's important is knowing what to look for.
What You Should Know Before Buying a Car
When buying your first car, you should keep in mind these recommendations to make an informed decision. The most important step is to know exactly what you want. Your car should fit your needs and wishes, but you also have to be realistic with your financial capacity. Plan your budget and analyze what is the best car you can get with your current resources. If you are on a tight budget, it does not mean you can't get a high-quality vehicle. Consider buying a pre-owned car; you can get a vehicle with amazing features for a lower price.
After going through vehicle models, you will need to do some extra research on the specific cars you are interested in. Check for the vehicle history and the condition of its engine and gearbox. Look at its exterior and verify that it is in good condition. Keep in mind that the year of manufacture of the car will most likely have an impact on its state and performance. Read reviews from other car owners and ask for advice from professionals. This way you will ensure that you are considering all points of view before making your final decision.
Key Features in a Car for College
Your first priority must be your safety. Generally speaking, midsize to large cars are considered the safest as they have better safety technology. You can also look for vehicles that have high-tech safety features. This may increase the price of your chosen car, but it will be worth it in terms of your security. It will also lower your insurance costs.
Search for features such as electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, lane-keeping technology, and blind-spot alert. Some of these features have become available recently, so you may want to look for cars that are less than ten years old. Notice that today’s safety measures focus on preventing an accident rather than reacting to one.
To make your driving more enjoyable, you can also look for features that make your experience easier. Self-parking assistance, adaptable headlights, and windshield clearing assistance will let you focus on the road without worrying about parallel parking, dark nights, or snow on your windshield.
How Much Is a Good Price for a First Car?
Even if you are on a student’s budget, you can (and should) get a nice car. Whether you have the support of your parents or are organized and responsible with your budget, you will be able to find your dream car. Keep in mind that buying a vehicle includes more expenses than just paying for it. When planning your finances, remember to include insurance, gas, and maintenance costs. You can always take a loan to help finance your car, so try not to get too overwhelmed by numbers.
Now, let's talk numbers. The average cost of a new car is $45,000 while the average price of a used car is $25,410. Financially speaking, it is a better decision to buy a pre-owned car. This way you will be able to get the best features for a lower price. Remember to always aim for the best model you can get. Securing a high-quality car will guarantee you safety and durability. While going for a lower-than-average price can be tempting, bear in mind that any car cheaper than $5,000 will probably need costly repairs and maintenance, and will likely not offer you high-tech safety features.
If you opt for financing your car, you will have to get a loan. To start the process, you'll need to put a down payment. Try to begin with at least 20% of the purchase price. The more you put down, the lower your interest rate will be. For example, if your car costs $26,000, you should ideally pay $5,200 upfront. Try not to extend your car payments for more than four years, as your interest rate could be unjustifiably high.
Best Cars for College Students
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a compact and reliable car with an affordable price. You can find it for around $28,000. It has dual front and dual rear side-mounted airbags, enhanced stability control, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. It comes with the new Star Safety System™ which is the integration of safety technologies, including traction control, 4-wheel anti-lock brake system, and much more.
Infiniti Q50
Infiniti is characterized by its elegance and grace. For Infiniti Q50, the starting price is usually $26,499. It has sensors that will react when needed, preventing accidents from occurring. It also comes with the Intelligent Cruise Control system, which will help you adjust the speed and distance from the vehicle in front of you.
Honda Civic
With its modern design, the Honda Civic is known for being a compact and practical car. Starting off at $24,799, it is an affordable fun-to-drive car. It comes with Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control, Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) with brake assist, and standard adaptive cruise control.
It is important that you have good guidance when buying your first car. You need someone who can offer you quality and a variety of options. At Lux Auto Centre, we have high-quality cars and a professional team that will assist you with any doubts you may have. If you want to start searching for your new vehicle, you can click here to browse our inventory.
