Buying my first car – questions I should ask

Getting your hands on your first vehicle should be a special moment. However, things can often go wrong if you make a purchase without asking the relevant questions.

There are implications associated with buying your first car, and we will look at the questions a buyer should ask before signing on the dotted line.

What type of car do I want?

This question is critical because I believe in the saying that if you don’t want it, don’t buy it. Take your time and look at your lifestyle as well as what you want from a car. For example, youthful buyers tend to look for something that has an element of fun as well as the latest tech.

Does it fit my budget?

There are two ways of buying your vehicle – through finance or cash. However, both methods require one to have a fit budget that will sustain their lifestyle. Owning a car removes money from your pocket while at the same time, it needs fuel, service and insurance.

How much is the vehicle?

This goes hand in hand with the above question. Find out how much the car costs and remember, there is always something to suit your budget.

How much is insurance?

Insurance premiums vary depending on the type of vehicle. It is vital to research the insurance company with regard to what it offers.

How much will I be spending on maintenance costs?

You wouldn’t want to spend a considerable lump sum on repairs and maintenance of a car. Yes, you cannot run away from maintenance or repairs, however, you can try and minimise.

What is the warranty?

Warranties cover all brand-new cars, but not all of them are equal. Some may cover the vehicle until the 100 000 kilometre mark has been reached, while some can go beyond that.

Extra fees?

Some dealers may try to hide this from you until the last paper comes out. Ask if there are any extra fees that you need to pay.