Your First Car
“A driver don’t pick the cars Cars pick the driver. It’s a mystical bond between man and machine”
-Transformers (2007)
Whether that’s true or not, there is something special about a person’s first vehicle. It gives a feeling of freedom and entitlement. When you’re sitting behind the wheel of your very own vehicle, it’s as if you could travel the entire world.
With so many emotions revolving around the first car purchase, it can be easy to lose focus on the important things. Maybe you’re looking to buy your first car, or maybe you’re buying someone else their first car.
Either way, here’s a bit of advice to finding the best car.
Look for Longevity
You may find a car that looks pretty great, but if it’s past 200,000 miles, you may want to look elsewhere. Chances are you’re buying this car out of necessity. That means if it breaks down, you’re out of luck. The fewer miles, the longer it’s likely to last.
Also, some cars are known for their ability to run forever. The most obvious example is the Honda Civic, but there are many others that are known to last. Just because a car looks nice doesn’t mean it runs nice. First cars are like people: it’s what’s inside that counts.
Beware of Maintenance Cost
A lot of cars have the same ticket price on the lot, but once they’re in the repair bay, things change quickly. You might be able to find an old BMW for an irresistible low price. But be warned, if something breaks on the engine, it will cost much more than a Chevy repair would.
Even if something doesn’t break, some brands simply require more standard maintenance. And that costs more too. Unless you want to be paying for $70 oil changes, we suggest you do some maintenance research. Generally speaking, European and luxury cars will have higher maintenance and repair costs than domestic vehicles.
It’s About What You Need
There will come a time where car shopping will be about all the extra features and customization. First time car shopping is not the time for this. If ever there was a time to be practical, it’s when you’re buying your first car.
If you frequently need to transport people, don’t get a 2-door coupe. If you’re driving long distances or you’re always low on money, don’t buy a gas guzzler. Look first and foremost for the qualities that will best meet your needs and go from there.
Have a Little Fun
We know these tips are a bit stingy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a bit of fun. Try and find something a little more unique. Think of what you can do to a standard car to make it stand out. If the paint job is scratched and peeling, sand it down and repaint it yourself.
It’s YOUR car! Take pride in that fact. Enjoy the freedom. Drive with pride. And if you want to get the very best deal on a vehicle, get it from us at Action Auto Sales. If you have a particular make and model in mind, we’ll be more than happy to track it down for you.
