Tips for First Time Car Buyers

Tips for First-Time Car Buyers from Gerry Lane Enterprises

Purchasing your first vehicle is a thrilling milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming, with questions like: How do I set a budget for a car? What financing do I need? What car works for me? And more!

Gerry Lane Buick GMC knows that purchasing a vehicle can bring mountains of stress, so we developed four tips for first-time buyers to ease into the process and come out a pro as you drive off in a car you love!

Set a Budget

Many first-time car buyers ask, "How to set a budget for a car?" Our guide's first step is to create a realistic budget so you can prepare your finances and not miss a payment!

Second, check your credit score. When you inspect your credit report, you can determine what interest rates you'll get and how much you should set down for a down payment.

For example, your interest rate will be low if you have stellar credit. If your score isn't perfect, you'll have high rates to pay off, and it'll be best if you place a significant down payment to help fend off your interest.

Lastly, one of the most overlooked car-buying tips for first-time buyers is setting aside money for fuel, maintenance, taxes, and fees. It isn't just about down payments and monthly costs but also having enough for registration, gas, and repairs if something breaks.

Setting aside a budget is the most vital step in our four tips for first-time car buyers, as many drivers don't calculate maintenance, gas, credit impact, and other expenses and panic when everything adds up.

You must set a realistic budget and not bite off more than you can chew so you have enough to cover monthly payments and other costs.

Research the Vehicle You Want

Once you've set a budget, it's time to research which vehicle you want! Unlike most car dealers in Baton Rouge, LA, Gerry Lane Buick GMC has a growing inventory of new, used, and certified pre-owned models you can browse!

Our lot has everything from the powerhouse Sierra 1500 to the sport Honda Civic, the muscular Dodge Charger, and more! It's also essential to note that once you begin researching, you should consider what features you want and the systems you need.

Everyone may want a hands-free power liftgate, but do you haul enough cargo for this feature? If you live somewhere with extreme weather, you may need heated or ventilated seats along with a remote start system.

Also, research what safety features you need. If you need to frequent the highway, look into adaptive cruise control, or if you struggle with lane drifting, check out what lane departure warnings can do for you!

Lastly, checking reviews is a significant part of our four tips for first-time buyers. Go online to Kelley Blue book, where you can see expert and consumer ratings, reviews, and stats and compare the price to ensure you're getting a fantastic deal!

Take it For a Test Drive

First-time car buyers must know that no amount of research can replace the experience of driving a car.

At Gerry Lane Buick GMC, we want every customer to take their vehicle out for a spin before anyone talks about financing.

A significant part of car buying tips for first-time buyers is to check the upholstery once they get behind the wheel. Can it support them on their drives? Is it comfortable?

Also, check the tech inside. Does the touchscreen feel responsive? Is your phone compatible with wireless charging? Can you easily access your music and navigation while you drive?

Once you hit the road with the tires, ask yourself if it accelerates smoothly. Do the brakes make noise? Can you turn the wheel and shift gears with no trouble? Does it start quickly?

While these questions seem overwhelming, most can be answered before you drive off! You must test drive every vehicle you look at to ensure you feel confident and safe taking it home as your new wheels!

Secure Financing

The final step in our four tips for first-time car buyers checklist is securing financing. Whether getting a new model or pre-owned, you must get a loan with terrific terms you understand entirely!

With your credit report in hand, or if you remember it from creating your budget, you'll know that the lower the score, the higher your rates will be and how much you should consider for a down payment.

When you talk to our stellar, transparent financing staff, we'll expertly guide you through each step of the process. We also offer a “Pre-Qualify” form on our website to eliminate the time you spend on paperwork!

Understanding the terms of your loan is also vital; that's why our finance team will go the extra mile to ensure you're confident and comfortable with your loan!

You're a Car Buying Pro!

When you purchase your first car, it's an exciting time, but you can be confident by following these easy steps of crafting a budget, researching a model, and more. This preparation goes the extra mile to make the process smooth and successful!

For more information, contact Gerry Lane Buick GMC in Baton Rouge, LA!