Buying a car for the first time can be as exciting as overwhelming. For tips on how to pick the right vehicle and get the best deal, keep reading this post by Synthetic Solutions in Zebulon.

Buying a car for the first time can be as exciting as confusing. If you are ready to look for your first rig, you need to know where to start and what to expect to make a wise buying decision. For advice on the matter, this post will take you through a step-by-step guide on how to pick the right vehicle and get the best deal!

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Things to Consider Before Buying a Car

Figure Out Your Budget

How much can you comfortably afford for a car? Answering such a question is vital to start the car-buying process. That said, compare your take-home pay to your monthly expenses and debt payments. That way, you'll know how much is left for a monthly car payment. Plus, you'll figure out which non-fixed costs you can cut down to save more. Keep your car payments below 20% of your monthly income when budgeting. That should include an average of all the expenses involved in car ownership, including the following:

• Monthly fuel expenses
• Maintenance costs
• Insurance policy payment
• Title transfer fee
• Sales tax
• License fee

Figure Out Your Needs

Step two is to figure out which type of rig fits your lifestyle. Being clear on your needs and wants will help you narrow your options down. Even more so, knowing what you need will prevent you from buying the wrong type of vehicle. So, before stepping on the car lots or dealerships in your area, answer the following:

• Do you plan to drive off-road?
• How many seats do you need?
• Have you got equipment to tow?
• How much cargo capacity do you need?
• Do you have a garage? / How much parking space do you have?

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New or Used

Would you like to buy second-hand or brand-new? Answering this question is also vital when buying a car. Of course, both options have pros and cons. For instance, a new car may be the most expensive option, but still, it entails fewer maintenance costs. Also, new cars come with the latest tech, making them more fuel-efficient and safe. As for used cars, they are the most affordable for sticker prices and insurance costs. Yet, second-hand options can hide faulty parts or issues that lead to costly repairs. Still, you could find cars with one or two years of use that are almost as good and reliable as a brand-new car model. If you want to go for a used car, have it inspected by a certified mechanic to know its condition before deciding on it.

Take Test Drives

As soon as you narrow your choices down to two or three cars, book a test drive for each one of them to see how they perform. Here are a few steps to test drive each car properly:

1. Start each test drive by inspecting the car's exterior. If the vehicle is pre-loved, look for signs of rust on the door edges and wheel wells.
2. Get inside the car and set the mirrors, steering wheel, and seat in the most comfortable position. Also, check how much headroom the cabin has.
3. Ask someone to start the engine while you are outside checking on the exhaust smoke. Also, make sure the engine doesn't make weird noises.
4. Test how each car feels when you brake, speed up, and corner. Also, make a hearing test to see if the steering wheel squeaks.

Negotiate the Deal

Once you decide on a car, put your excitement aside and take the time to review the contract terms. Also, ask for a final estimate of all the costs associated with the car purchase. If there's something you want to negotiate with the seller, this is the time to do so. What matters the most is understanding and agreeing with the car contract's terms. That way, you'll be able to drive home in your new car with the certainty of making the best buying decision.

The best thing you can do after buying a car is to give it the best engine protection against mechanical friction and overheating. For advice on the best oil formula for your rig, turn to the oil pros at Synthetic Solutions by calling them at (888) 450-2658 anytime. To browse the entire line of AMSOIL products, click on this link.