buying my first car 🩷
let me go ahead and give you the run down
🏁 why i needed the car?
- i just needed something reliable to get me from point A to point B as I continue through my college years into med school! it is honestly a necessity and saved you a lot of money without the extra ubers/lyfts, ordering groceries to your house, door dashing, and bothering others for rides!
🏁 how did i afford it?
- i saved my money from my job for the past year to afford it.
- i didn't make enough income to get a loan (most people do not, so don't try to loan)
- i look around at "buy here pay here lots" and just cars that are actually in my price range. I REALLY LUCKED UP!
- NEGOTIATE WITH THEM WITH HARD, COLD CASH! the dealer ended up giving me a huge discount because of any complaints i had and because i told them i had less money than i originally had, but in cash. haggle them down 🤸🏽
🏁 what to avoid ⚠️
- please don't get any car with a "salvage" or "rebuilt" title. this means the car was seriously injured in an accident that it had to be covered in totality by the insurance company! you don't know what future problems this car could bring you so avoid it!
- try to get a tank that's under 2.5L+ (they are gas gobblers❗️)
- cars under 2010 models; they are not bad, but the older they are it's harder to find parts for them and they can have many issues!
- try to get a car under 160,000 miles. mines is at 160,000 miles, but i don't mind because i plan on buying a new one in the future, this is just a 'for now car' aka a hoopdie 😭
🏁 what to look for
- if the car has a clean title (minimual accidents as well)
- what the car sounds like when you drive it
- what are the specs of the car, how big is the tank? does the ac/heating work? does the car vibrate? etc. ask questions, so many questions❗️
🏁 specs of my car
- hybrid model (gas and electric)
- blows ac super fast
- 1.3 L tank
- 44 mpg / saves a lot of gas compared to a 25 mpg car
- economy mode
(it's a old car so don't expect much lmfao)
#firstcar #newcar #car #travel #saving #tips #educationalcontentcreator
Buying your first car can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation, it can be an exciting milestone! Before making a purchase, consider evaluating your needs. Think about how much you’ll be driving, your budget, and the type of vehicle that suits your lifestyle—whether it’s a compact car for the city or a more spacious option for road trips. Research is critical! Use online resources to compare different models, check for reliability ratings, and analyze ownership costs like fuel efficiency and maintenance. Look into vehicles that fit within your budget, paying special attention to their history reports to avoid any surprises. Websites like Carfax or AutoCheck can provide crucial information about a car's history, including prior accidents and ownership. When visiting dealerships, be prepared to negotiate. Dealerships often mark up prices, so having information on hand from your research can empower you to negotiate a better deal. It's also beneficial to get pre-approved for financing or to save enough for a cash purchase; this option can greatly simplify the buying process and gives you a stronger negotiating position. Lastly, always take the car for a thorough test drive! Pay attention to how it handles, listen for unusual sounds, and ensure that all features function properly. This hands-on experience can often reveal critical insights that online reviews may not convey. Purchasing your first car is not just a transaction; it’s about finding a trustworthy companion for your journeys ahead!
What were the pros and cons of a buy here pay here though?