8 Common Mistakes That First-Time Car-Buyers Make And How To Avoid Them

Buying your first car can be an exciting yet daunting venture since you probably don’t have the experience to tackle such a task. And it’s not even a one-step procedure. From setting a budget and choosing a vehicle to purchasing auto insurance, a lot goes into the process.

Read more: 8 Common Mistakes That First-Time Car-Buyers Make And How To Avoid Them

With no experience and so many things to check off the list, you’re bound to make a few mistakes here and there.

That’s why our insurance agents at Western Mass Auto Insurance have compiled a list of mistakes you must avoid to get a deal that pays off.

1. Not Researching The Kind Of Car You Want

Before considering going to a dealership, you should explore different vehicle options online. You can also ask a family member or a friend who is a car enthusiast. These individuals will be able to guide you best.

2. Not Setting A Budget

One of the common mistakes that first-time car buyers make is that they walk into a deal without knowing how it’ll affect their monthly budget.

If you’re unsure how much you can afford to spend on a car, there are a few things to keep in mind.

• It’s important to know what your monthly payments will be and by when.
• Find out the cost of auto insurance, maintenance, and other monthly fees associated with owning a vehicle. This way, comparing models with similar specs but different price tags will be more accessible for both parties involved.

3. Buying A Car Before You’ve Saved Enough Money

Knowing how much money you need to save is essential if you’re considering buying a new car. The best way to do this is using a savings calculator from Bankrate. You’ll input your monthly spending and see how much interest you’ll pay over time on the loan.

Once you have enough money saved for your down payment, the next step is calculating what kind of car will work best for your budget and lifestyle needs. This can be tricky because so many factors go into determining which type of vehicle suits each person’s needs.

4. Not Inquiring About The Car’s History

If you’re buying a used car, it’s important to know as much about it as possible. You should be able to find out if the vehicle has been in an accident and what kind of damage was done. 

If you notice any problems with your purchase, don’t panic. Instead, take time to research those issues before making any decisions about whether or not to keep the car or sell it back on Craigslist.

5. Letting Yourself Be Talked Into Buying More Expensive Features Than You Want Or Need

It’s important to remember that when you’re buying a car, it’s your money. You should be able to decide what features are best for your needs and wants without being talked into buying more than necessary.

Also, remember that not all cars have the same features and are not all priced equally either. If a salesperson tries to talk you into buying something like leather seats or a navigation system when those items aren’t on your list of priorities, then don’t let them do so.

6. Choosing A Car Without Looking Into Gas Mileage

Gas mileage is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a car since it’ll affect how much you spend on gas. If your area has higher gas prices than others, you can save money on gas by choosing a car that burns less fuel.

You can also try looking into getting an electric vehicle with better mileage figures.  Electric cars tend to not only have lower emissions but also cost less money over time. 

7. Neglecting To Test Drive The Vehicle First

Test driving your car should be one of the first things you do.

You should go out and get in the vehicle and drive around for at least 15 minutes, ensuring that everything works properly and that no issues arise during your trip. 

Test driving is essential in purchasing any vehicle because it allows you to explore different roads, weather conditions, and driving styles to determine whether or not this is what you want for yourself or someone else.

8. Not Investing In Auto Insurance

Massachusetts considers driving without auto insurance a civil motor vehicle infraction (CMVI), which means you’ll have to pay hefty penalties, including jail time and a revoked driving license.

Additionally, you won’t have to pay out of your pocket in case of accidents, but your auto insurance will cover all the damage.

So it’s important that you invest in auto insurance when you’re buying a car.

The Key Takeaway

It’s easy to fall into these common traps, but by keeping the points mentioned above in mind before you buy your new vehicle, you can avoid many of the common issues. With the right information at your fingertips, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about which car is best for your needs.

Speak To Auto An Insurance Agent In Indian Orchard

Western Mass Auto Insurance is a leading insurance provider in Indian Orchard. In addition to auto insurance, we also provide home, apartment, and commercial vehicle insurance services to our customers.

Our insurance agents will walk you through the whole process and help you evaluate your financial standing to offer you an insurance plan that provides coverage according to your needs. 

We offer registry services as well, so you won’t have to stand in line for long. Through them, you can get insurance and license plates in 15 minutes. Take a look at our customer reviews to learn more about our premium auto insurance policies.

We also offer discounts if you bundle auto insurance with home insurance.

Get in touch with one of our insurance agents to learn more. 

Get in touch with one of our insurance agents to learn more.