Being a car owner comes with a lot of perks. For one, you’ll have the freedom to go where you want at your own pace, which not all commuters get to experience on a day-to-day basis. You can take road trips, and you will never again have to worry about the train breaking down or a bus being late.
It also means that you have a certain level of self-reliance, as you will no longer be riding with someone else every day. Whether you are driving to work, school, or just out on the weekends, owning a car can change your life for the better.
Of course, with any great privilege comes responsibility; this saying rings especially true when you’re dealing with your first vehicle. There are a few factors you should consider before buying your first car, such as these five below.
Factor #1 What type of car you want
Before you go looking for a new car, you should determine what kind of car you want. It is important to keep in mind that your first car will likely be used for commuting to school or work, so it should be an efficient car.
For example, if you have a long commute you will want to consider an energy-efficient vehicle, or if you will be driving mostly in the city, it might be good to purchase a small car. If you are looking for a family vehicle, you will likely want a bigger car.
Factor #2 How much money you can spend
Next, it’s important to consider how much you are willing to spend on the car. If you are looking for an older model or even a used car, you can easily find an inexpensive car; however, if you want to buy a brand-new vehicle it can be much more expensive.
Another thing that you have to keep in mind is that the upfront costs of buying a car aren’t the only expenses you’ll have as a car owner. You’ll also have to budget for regular maintenance, which includes oil changes, brake service, and tire rotation.
Factor #3 Type of fuel the vehicle uses
It is also important to consider what type of fuel the car requires. If you purchase a vehicle that has high-performance capabilities, this means you will likely have to buy more expensive fuel. And if you go with a gas guzzler you will not only pay more at the pump, but you’ll also contribute to damaging the environment.
So, if you want to go green and get a car with better fuel efficiency, consider looking for an electric or hybrid car. These options may be more costly at first, but in the long run, they will save you money because you won’t have to buy gas. Consequently, you’ll have to find a charging station to fuel up your car, but it is still a better alternative than spending on gas.
Factor #4 What the car will be used for
You must consider what the car will be used for because not all cars are built the same. If a car is going to be used for a lot of long drives, it should be more durable because you will want less frequent trips to the mechanic. Or if you’re planning to drive on rugged terrains often, then you should consider a car that is equipped for these conditions.
However, if you’re only going to drive in the city most of the time, then you won’t need a car with an extremely durable engine because the city roads are likely less bumpy. Plus, if you’re going to be driving a lot at night, consider purchasing a car that has high visibility headlights.
Factor #5 How often the car has to be serviced
Last, consider how often the car needs to be serviced. Some older cars may only need to see a mechanic once every year or two; however, if the car has high-performance capabilities, it will require more frequent services to maintain its top performance.
For instance, if you’re going to get a four-wheel-drive like a Subaru, you’ll need to change the oil more often than you would for a standard vehicle. Plus, you’ll have to bring it to a reliable mechanic that knows how to perform comprehensive Subaru car maintenance to get the best service possible for your car.
Overall, it’s important to consider these five factors when you’re ready to purchase your first car. By doing so, you’ll be happy with your purchase and will have a better experience as a vehicle owner because you took your time to weigh your options carefully.