Ready to buy your first car? Owning your first car opens the door for more in your life, but it can be an overwhelming process. Here are some tips to help make your first car shopping experience go smoothly:
Do Your Research
Before visiting dealerships, get to know different makes and models online to narrow down your options. Consider factors like:
- Reliability
- Fuel efficiency
- Safety features
- Resale value
A Honda can be an ideal choice for a first car, as they are known for their dependability, strong safety ratings, and budget-friendly fuel economy.
Determine Your Budget
Be realistic about how much you can afford to spend on a monthly car payment. In addition to the sticker price, factor in costs like insurance, gas, maintenance, and registration fees. Aim to keep your total car expenses under 20 percent of your take-home pay.
Take a Test Drive
Once you've found a few contenders, schedule test drives to see how each vehicle performs on the road.
As a first-time buyer, working with a reputable, full-service dealership like Bend Honda can help make the shopping process less stressful. With some preparation and helpful guidance, you'll be hitting the road in your perfect first vehicle in no time.