Do's And Dont's: Essential Guidelines In Buying Your First Car

Here in the Philippines, it is a dream come true for most Filipinos to own a car. Some people think that owning a car is a status symbol and some see it as a necessity that offers comfort as compared to their daily commute.

Regardless of your reasons you have to know that owning a car comes with certain responsibilities and knowledge.

If you are planning to invest your hard-earned money in buying your first car Philkotse.com is very much willing to provide you with specific guidelines about the do’s and dont’s that you need to keep in mind if you want to get the best car deals in town.

1. List of Do's things 

Do #1. Take your time before making a purchase

Buying your first car (whether it is a second-hand car or a brand new one) can give you mixed emotions. It is normal for you to feel excited about your first big purchase. But before making any decision it is best if you give yourself enough time to choose the best car for you so you won’t have any regrets in the future.

You should give yourself enough time to choose the best car for you so you won’t have any regrets in the future

Do some research by asking for car brochures and taking the time to visit several dealerships in that way you can weigh all of your options before arriving at a final decision.

Better visit several dealerships before choosing the perfect car for you. This gives you time to look at other brands and compare prices so you won’t make any regrets in the future.

>>> Worth reading: 10 things to consider before buying a car in the Philippines.

Do #2. Choose the car that suits your need and lifestyle

Here in the Philippines, choosing the right kind of car can be overwhelming because of the variety of models to choose from. Almost every year different car companies release new versions due to stiff competitions.

In order for you to easily choose the best car for you, create a checklist with all the things that you are looking for in your first car then compare it with the vehicles that are being offered.

Create a checklist of what you're looking for in your first car then compare it with the vehicles being offered

Your lifestyle should also determine the type of vehicle that you should buy. If you are looking for an everyday car meant for city driving then a sedan or hatchback will do.

f you have a business and you need to haul certain types of goods then a pick-up would be a good choice. Meanwhile, if you are looking for a family vehicle then getting an SUV or van can also be taken into consideration.

Do not just get a car because you want it, make sure that it suits your needs and lifestyle by carefully checking into its features and specs before making the final decision.

>>> Read more: Which car is suitable for you?

Do #3. Stick to your budget

Whether you are planning to buy your first car in cash or installment basis make sure that you can afford to pay for it. If you are worried about paying monthly dues then you may opt to settle for second and cars that are still in very good condition and sold at a reasonable price.

Whether you are planning to buy your first car, make sure that you can afford to pay for it

If you really want a new car then you can get a bigger discount if you have the means to buy it outright. There are also installment options just make sure that you are willing to commit into paying your dues for the next three to five years.

Before buying a car make sure that you can afford to pay off the monthly fees that include amortization, fuel, toll fees and more.

Do #4. Know your loan options

When applying for a car loan in the Philippines you have an option to apply at the dealership or through bank financing. The main difference is that dealerships offer lower down payments but higher interest rates. While banks do ask for a higher down payment but lower interest rates.

You can ask for computation from your car agent and bank loan officer and decide what works for you

You can ask for computation from your car agent and bank loan officer and decide what works for you. Because at the end of the day you should consider your monthly expenditures before getting a car.

Do #5. Ask for a test drive to be scheduled

Requesting for a test drive is quite easy because most dealerships and car sales agents are open to the idea of having their vehicles tested specially to those customers who express interest in buying a car.

Also, it is important to get a feel of the ride before deciding to pay for the car. Nobody wants to drive a car that is difficult for him to drive, park and maneuver. Make sure that you are getting your money’s worth.

Requesting for a test drive is quite easy because of most dealerships and car sales agents

>>> You might concern: 8 must-dos when buying a brand-new car.

2. List of Dont's things

Don't #1. Not buy a car just because you wanted to belong

Peer pressure and the need to feel accepted in our society are just some of the reasons why most people would like to buy a car. Here in the Philippines, owning a car is commonly associated with the persons’ status symbol that is why almost every Filipino dreams of owning one even if they are not financially capable of owning one.

Learn everything that you need to know about the car that you wish to buy

Learn everything that you need to know about the car that you wish to buy. It is better if you have multiple choices on your list to make sure that you are buying something that gives you value for your hard-earned money.

>>> Also check: 7 must-know things to consider before buying a used car.

Don’t #2. Not just focus on the amortization

Owning a car means bigger responsibilities aside from paying the monthly amortization. There are other things that you need to spend on such as your monthly fuel allowance, toll fees, oil change, maintenance fees, insurance, and registration.

Although most banks and dealerships offer to shoulder some of these (maintenance fees, insurance, and registration) for a year or two as part of their promotion, what you need to worry about is the succeeding years.

Owning a car means bigger responsibilities aside from paying the monthly amortization

You might be surprised at how much you are bound to spend with these “hidden fees” that salespersons are not keen on discussing with their clients. Better think hard about getting a new car unless you are confident enough that you can afford to shell extra money.

Don’t #3. Not just sign any documents

Before closing off the purchase it is expected that the car agent will be giving you tons of paperwork to sign. In reality, many of us are really not that keen on reading what is written in all of the documents.

Things may be overwhelming to read and comprehend but it is our responsibility to read and understand all the terms and conditions that are stipulated.

Don't just agree to sign any documents that are presented to you

If you have any questions or concerns do not hesitate to ask your car agent for further clarifications before affixing your signature. Don't just agree to sign any documents that are presented to you. Make sure that you read them thoroughly and do not hesitate to ask questions if there is something that you do not understand.

The responsibility of owning a car does not stop after you have paid for it. There are many things and factors that need to be taken into consideration before buying your first car. It is important you are financially and emotionally ready for your first car.

Aside from the fact that you are expected to handle all of the obligations that come with it you should also be emotionally ready to be a responsible and law-abiding driver her in the Philippines.