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Teen tips on Buying a Car
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| Buying a car is a valuable learning experience about budgets, research, lifestyle and values. |
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| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 22:10:00 |
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0 | | Author | Staff |
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Description:
Buying a car. When it's your first, it can be a very scary proposition. You're afraid to go to a car lot, for fear that you'll walk -- or drive -- out with a car you didn't really want. Your parents are full of too much good advice. Your friends want you to buy the Viper.
They're all speaking a language you really don't quite understand. All you want is a set of wheels. You proably don't really care what it is, just as long as you can drive it and the radio works.
Does it have to be this hard?
No. But you'll need help. Buying a car is serious business. Make the wrong move, and you can wind up miserable for at least four years. Or worse -- ruin your credit, get into an accident or spend thousands of dollars in repair bills. So don't underestimate advice from Mom or Dad, and don't be afraid to have fun! You will always remember the first car you purchased, so make it the right one!
Here are some tips on how to find the right car -- new or used:
1) Establish a budget for the vehicle including maintenance, payments, insurance, operating costs, etc.. Think of it this way: you will always have a car payment. Even if you own a car outright, there's insurance, repair, maintenance...Be sure you maximize the value of that payment.
2) Agree to basic standards for the car or truck - style, safety and your criteria for gas mileage and other environmental concerns. Consider buying a hybrid, such as the Honda Civic Hybrid.
3) Use the pricing and information resources offered on the Internet at web sites like Autobytel.com, Autoweb.com, Carsmart.com or Autosite.com to help you and your teen make an informed -- and objective --decision about the kind of vehicles that match your budget and style/safety/etc. criteria
4) Be sure to also look at Autobytel's Estimated Market Price (EMP). Unlike the invoice price or MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price), EMP is the average price the vehicle has actually sold for across the U.S..
5) After you and your parents agree on a target budget and possible models, hit the web! You may choose to do this together - or -- ask go online and come back with five possible vehicles for purchase that match your agreed upon criteria.
6) Compare new models to certified used vehicles at the Autobytel web sites. Right now, there are many great buys on previously leased vehicles that were previously leased. You may be able to afford more options in a late model used car or truck than on a new vehicle - plus, if the car or truck is certified you know it has been inspected and is warrantied.
7) Parents, talk to your teen about his or her environmental and safety concerns. Information about green cars is available at these sites - and safety information is presented honestly and objectively.
8) Compare your first choices to other similar brands and models using the Autobytel web site comparator tools - you may be surprised to find exactly what you want in a different brand or model -- for less money.
9) Finalize your selection and then submit your purchase request to an Autobytel Inc. dealer -- but be sure you've done your homework before you hit "send'.
10) Last but not least - Take the Autobytel Pledge to drive safely. This is an important reminder that owning and driving a car is a serious responsibility.
**Remember -- buying a car can be a valuable learning experience in establishing budgets, doing research and making an informed decision that best suits your teen's lifestyle and values. |
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