What to Know Before Buying Your First Car?: A Guide to First-Time Buyers and Everyone Else

By: Careen L. Malahay, for Automart.ph

Are you planning to buy your first car? Great! But, before you get too excited and purchase the first vehicle you see in the dealership, here are some essential things you need to know before getting your first auto. By reading this article, you will gain valuable insights on which car suits your needs and avoid purchasing a lemon.

1. Depreciation value

One of the most important things you need to know before buying your first car is its depreciation value. The market value decreases immediately  when your vehicle gets out of the dealership shop. Usually, cars depreciate around 15% yearly, depending on the brand and model. Others, especially luxury cars, on the other hand, only lose a lower percentage. Aside from that, cars also lose their value naturally due to the mileage and wear and tear factor.

2. Brand new vs. used cars

If you want to save money from buying your first car, your best option is to purchase a used or repossessed automobile. You can now get a used car for 50% lower than newer models. On the other hand, if you wish to grab the latest auto from your favorite manufacturer, choosing a brand-new car is a great idea.

3. Test Drive

Contrary to what most first-time car buyers think, you are allowed to test drive the vehicle that you are eyeing. As such, take advantage of this opportunity and see if it fits your needs. If not, look for other options. Don’t worry! Car manufacturers keep releasing new models every year, so your options are not limited to only one automobile. However, consider that buying a repossessed car may not give you this opportunity. This is because dealers wanted to keep the mileage as low as possible. To help you inspect the vehicle, bring along a friend mechanic when you visit the dealership store.

Yes, buying your first car is exciting. But this also comes with some effort to get the best deal for your money.

Automart.PH offers a wide selection of used cars at great prices, ranging from compact cars to pick-up trucks, that suit your needs.

And if you’re looking for the finest used cars, check out Automart.PH Certified Used Vehicles. These are restored until they feel like new again. They also come with a three-day money-back guarantee and, for Gold Certified units, a one-year warranty.