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The automobile market can be intimidating, and if you are just starting out in the wonderful world of wheels you may need advice on purchasing your first vehicle. There are so many options for vehicle purchasers: new or used, red or blue, sports vehicle or SUV, two or four doors…and that is just for starters! Also, as a new vehicle purchaser you need to be wary of advice on purchasing your first vehicle, because there are still quite a few snake-oil salesmen out there in the automotive market looking to sell you a lemon. Following you will find some solid advice on purchasing your first vehicle.

The first consideration for anyone who wants to purchase his or her first vehicle is usually whether to purchase new or used. Many first vehicle purchasers are young individuals who are just starting out, so the necessity of purchasing used is often present. Advice on purchasing your first vehicle new from a showroom is fairly straightforward: purchase from a reputable dealer, research the best type of vehicle for you, and seek out the best deals including free extras, low interest and rebates. However, if you plan to purchase a used vehicle, where should you look to avoid getting taken advantage of? Most vehicle dealerships also sell “gently used” vehicles, usually those that have been previously leased. When these are out of your price range, there are also many used vehicle lots with lower-priced second-hand vehicles. Look for a vehicle dealer who is willing to do all the necessary repair work to get your first vehicle in top running condition, and who also has all the necessary certifications to be in business. Ask whether you can talk to other individuals who have bought vehicles from the dealer and find out if they have had major issues with the vehicle. Always test-drive a vehicle before you purchase!

When it comes to the vehicle itself, there are a number of things you should check out on your first vehicle. You can examine the tires, the body and the interior on sight and look for possible issues. When considering the tires, be alert for rips and gouges and demand replacements for poor tires or ask for a lower purchase price. Also, uneven wear on tires indicates an alignment or suspension issue, in which case you should tell the dealer to perform the repairs before you will consider purchasing. On the body of the vehicle, a few dents and scratches won’t affect the performance - but several of them could indicate the vehicle has been in an accident. Also, rust along the bottom of doors or on the frame can attack the structure of the vehicle. Excessive rust is a bad sign. Check the interior of the vehicle thoroughly for missing mirrors, frayed seatbelts, loose knobs and switches that don’t work. Test the audio system as well. Any of these points can be used as a bargaining tool to lower the asking price!

With any used vehicle, you should always obtain a used vehicle report such as those from CARFAX. This information will tell you whether there are any outstanding liens, holds, or fines associated with the vehicle, and whether it’s been involved in an accident.

What is the best advice on purchasing your first vehicle? Take your time, and have fun. With some careful research and a bit of the right knowledge, you can soon say, “This is my vehicle!”