What to Pay Attention to When Buying a Car for the First Time?
2 Answers
Here are the precautions for first-time car buyers: 1. Inspect the vehicle condition: Park the car in an outdoor area with ample light to observe the body paint, ensuring there are no scratches or wear, the paint is even, and appears translucent under sunlight reflection. Open the car door—the vehicle identification plate is located near the driver's side door or B-pillar—check the relevant information on the plate. Open the engine compartment to inspect if it is clean, free of dirt or dust buildup, and check if the engine oil and other fluids are at adequate levels. Manually check if the doors open and close smoothly, if the windows roll up and down properly, if there are any strong odors inside the car, if the air conditioning cools, if the windshield wipers function normally, and if the lights turn on correctly. 2. Test drive: Start the engine to feel if it idles smoothly, if there is noticeable noise inside the car, and if the steering wheel vibrates significantly. 3. Check documents: Ensure all relevant vehicle documents are complete, such as the purchase invoice, certificate of conformity, vehicle type approval certificate, vehicle registration certificate, warranty certificate, vehicle user manual, and new car delivery confirmation form.
I think the most important thing to pay attention to when buying a car for the first time is the money issue. I initially exceeded my budget, and later realized that there's more to consider than just the car price. First, calculate how much down payment you can afford, then compare interest rates from banks or lenders—don't just be tempted by low down payments. Monthly payments should be kept within 20% of your income; otherwise, the combined costs of insurance, fuel, and maintenance will become overwhelming. I recommend choosing a new car or a certified pre-owned vehicle for the peace of mind that comes with a warranty. Test-driving multiple times is crucial to get a feel for the driving experience—don’t rush into a purchase. Also, don’t forget to check insurance costs, as they vary significantly between cars. Finally, don’t be swayed by sales tactics—stick to your budget limits. Buying a car is a marathon, not a sprint; make sure it doesn’t disrupt your daily life.
