Top 5 Mistakes People Make when Buying their First Car

(Photo Credit: Pixabay)

Buying your first car is quite a significant milestone and the first step in your car ownership journey. Therefore, you should ensure that it happens without a hitch. Here are 5 mistakes people always make when making their first car purchase!

1) Not Shopping Around

(Photo Credit: Pexels)

We get it, you're very excited to get your first car. Plus, going around visiting dealerships can be quite taxing both physically and mentally. All the different figures being quoted for different car models at the various dealers can all get pretty confusing. Not to mention the different benefits and add-ons they each offer to entice you into choosing them. 

Many people just go with the first or second dealership they approach to avoid the hassle but doing so will lead to you missing out on better deals and benefits which can save you some cash!

2) Not Considering A Used Car

(Photo Credit: Unsplash)

Many shun the option of getting a used car, especially for their first car purchase for fear that it might come with various issues that they might not know how to deal with. Used cars are also seen as a more physically unappealing option which may be expected from a vehicle that has been through time on the roads, especially if it wasn't maintained properly.

However, this isn't always the case. You can find gems that look almost brand new due to diligent previous owners and many used cars have also been serviced by dealerships to keep them in good shape to be put up for sale. It certainly is worth considering, especially due to its other benefits such as a cheaper price, more affordable insurance costs, as well as lower first-year depreciation.

3) Not Getting It Properly Inspected

(Photo Credit: Pexels)

If you do get a used car, however, another common mistake for both first-time and seasoned car buyers is not getting the vehicle inspected properly. This especially applies to direct transactions without a dealer involved. Request to get the car fully inspected at a workshop before signing on the dotted lines to avoid any potential hidden trouble that lies within the vehicle.

4) Forgoing the Test Drive

(Photo Credit: Pexels)

If you are a first-time buyer, chances are you haven't driven many cars. Every car provides varying driving experiences so going for a test drive in a car that you're eyeing is a good way to know if that is the right car for you or not. 

20% of buyers don't go for the test drive due to reasons such as not wanting to slow down the transaction process or simply just being too timid to request one. Considering the fact that you are paying for your driving experience for the next few years, it is certainly important for you to know what you're getting into!

5) Getting Swindled by the Dealer

(Photo Credit: Pexels)

A salesperson's job revolves around one thing, sealing the deal. A convincing sales pitch can sell even the worst cars so make sure you're well-equipped to look past the sweet talk.

You can do this by doing your due diligence and educating yourself on the market value of the cars you're considering as well as the value of potential add-ons. Make sure you also have a grasp on financing to avoid getting hit with high in-house interest rates!

We can help you out!

Buying your first car can be made so much easier with some help. Third-party platforms such as Motorist can help you deal with dealers and paperwork while seeking out the lowest deals from our wide connection of dealerships. This will definitely save you time, effort, and money. Drop us a line below to find out more!

Read more: Why You Should Get Special Perils Coverage in Malaysia!