FIRST TIME CAR BUYERS: TOP 12 QUESTIONS TO ASK
If you're in the market for your first car, congratulations! This is an exciting time. But it's also one that comes with a lot of decisions to make.
For instance, what is your budget? What purpose will this car serve for you? What type of car have you always imagined driving, and does that car meet your needs? What features need to come with that car? What will the financial process look like? And should you even buy at all, or is leasing a better option for you?
Here at Hennessy Automobile Companies, we are always happy to assist our clients in making informed decisions about their first big vehicle purchase. From our team to you, here are twelve questions first time car buyers should always ask themselves:
Is there a vehicle that best fits my lifestyle?
As a first time car buyer, you might be feeling overwhelmed by all of the choices out there. Should you buy a new or used car? Should you get a sedan, an SUV, a truck, or a sports car? And what about all of the different brands?
For this reason, we suggest slowing down and deciding which type of car is right for you before actively beginning your search. Doing this will make it much easier to find the perfect vehicle.
To paint a clearer picture of what exactly it is you’re looking for, consider creating a comparison chart to list out the pros and cons of each vehicle you’re considering. Doing so will come in handy if you are stuck deciding between several options.
Wants vs Needs
At the end of the day, it is crucial as a first time buyer to go for the vehicle you need above all else. Credit availability and budget are two major factors that play into this decision. The reality is this: As the price of a vehicle increases, so will the cost of:
- Insurance
- Maintenance
- Taxes
- Gas
- Consumables
For a first time car buyer, this is never a winning combination. Consider this your first purchase of many to come. Ensure that your first vehicle is a pleasure rather than a burden; make sure you buy the right car for your needs and stay within your means.
What are my transportation needs?
Though credit and budget are necessary factors to consider when choosing between the vehicle you want and the vehicle you need, transportation plays another critical role in making this determination.
Will you be using this car for commuting and running errands? Road trips with the family? To haul large items? It is crucial to distinguish your needs from your wants and determine what purpose your first car will serve before making the purchase. This will help guide your decision-making process.
If you need a vehicle that is reliable and ideal for a daily commute to work or school, you may want to consider a Honda Accord. This car is sturdily-built and provides great value for its cost.
If you’re looking for something a little bigger to fit the bill but want to maintain reliability and affordability, a Mazda CX-5 should do the trick.
If you plan on taking regular road trips with family and friends, a Ford Explorer might be your best bet.
If you plan to go off-roading on all sorts of exhilarating terrain, think about becoming the owner of a Bronco Sport.
And if you’ve always dreamt of driving a truck known for its versatility and dependability, the GMC Sierra is worth considering.
Whatever your needs, there's sure to be a car, truck, or SUV out there that's perfect for you.
Do I buy a new or used vehicle?
The benefit of buying new is that you are the first owner of the vehicle, it is freshly customizable, and it comes with a factory warranty. With that being said, the price tends to be higher than if you buy used. Purchasing a pre-owned car is often the cost-effective option.
Near-new or Certified Pre-Owned vehicles are typically the best bet; you won't be surprised by huge maintenance costs since they come with warranties similar to those on new vehicles. You should consider this if you are looking for a highly reliable vehicle but don't want to buy new.
Always remember: you should always ask for a copy of the CarFax report when looking at used vehicles. Make sure that the company you are buying from is reputable to ensure that receiving your title is not an issue down the line.
View InventoryShould I buy–or should I lease?
It can be challenging for first-time car buyers to decide whether to buy or lease. Ultimately, it depends on what suits your needs and preferences, and there are pros and cons to both options.
You can choose the most suitable option for your needs with the help of our finance specialists. Our team will help you weigh the advantages and disadvantages of both options based on your lifestyle and needs.
| You own the vehicle outright! | New cars often take a depreciation hit |
| No more monthly payments after your loan is fully paid off | When you buy, your monthly payments are typically larger than monthly lease payments. |
| No penalties for customizing your vehicle | |
| No mileage restrictions | |
| No limitations on selling or trading toward another vehicle |
If you’re looking to keep your vehicle for a long time and have full control over it while you are the owner, the option of purchasing might appeal to you.
| Lower monthly payments | Mileage restrictions |
| Always fully updated on safety and technology features | Penalties for customization and/or vehicle wear and tear |
| Save on service! When you lease, your car is under warranty the entire time | Value cannot be transferred to a new car |
| No need to worry about trading in; simply bring the vehicle back at the | |
| End of your lease and start the process again |
If you don't drive many miles in the span of a year and won't be committing to a long-term loan, leasing might be a better choice. Upon expiration of your lease, you can either opt to continue leasing a new vehicle or purchase the car outright.
We encourage you to contact us at one of our 11 dealerships near Atlanta, Georgia if you're still undecided. If you would like any further information, insight, or assistance in making your decision, our team is happy to assist.
Learn MoreIs the vehicle I want available?
Until you know if the car you want is available in the right color and with the right features, you will be unable to proceed with the purchase process. There is a possibility that the dealer can get the car you're looking for from another dealership, but they won't be able to access it immediately. If it happens to be at another dealership, you'll want to be sure you're okay with waiting.
At Hennessy Automobile Companies, we offer 11 different dealership locations across metro Atlanta and the surrounding area. We encourage you to browse our collective inventory today to find the perfect vehicle for you!
What’s the actual cost of the vehicle?
Always keep in mind that any discounts displayed -- whether online or on the window of a vehicle -- reflect the cost of the car only. In other words, this price does not include sales tax, optional equipment add-ons, documentation and state licensing fees, or other dealer fees associated with a new vehicle purchase.
In short: Knowing the actual cost of a car helps you budget. From there, you can best determine how to pay; will you pay out of pocket? And if you're taking out a loan, how much will you need to borrow?
Have any aftermarket features been added?
In addition to the manufacturer's additional equipment, dealer-specific add-ons are commonly offered, like tinted windows or upgraded wheels and tires. This is an important consideration to make when calculating and comparing vehicle prices as dealer add-ons do cost extra once installed.
What are my payment terms?
It's only step one to decide whether you want to lease or buy a car - the next step is figuring out what the payment will be each month and what the dealer's financing office needs from you.
If you are taking out a loan, make sure to understand what is included in your loan, the total cost, and the term offered -- all of this will contribute to how long it will take you to pay it off.
If leasing, be sure to read your lease terms and conditions thoroughly before signing. Such terms include (but are not limited to) the exact penalty for driving over your mileage limit and whether certain aftermarket accessories are permitted.
How does a credit report work, and what is its influence on my car buying power?
A credit report can easily be compared to a high school report card or a college transcript. In short, credit reports help banks and credit unions determine whether they should accept you as a customer. With that being said, it takes several years to correct issues such as late payments or heavy debt.
Credit reports provide information about your ability to finance additional debt, your credit history, and your current asset-to-debt ratio. And unfortunately, there are a lot of challenges for first-time buyers when it comes to banks and credit unions. Bearing this in mind, make it your mission to get the loan approved with no cosigner. Though difficult, it is a vital step towards building your own credit.
Our Hennessy Team is always here to help you get the application process going!
What does warranty coverage include?
To understand what a car warranty is, you must understand what it covers.
What warranties cover:
- Problems the manufacturer considers defects
- Covering components that do not live up to reasonable expectations
What warranties do not cover:
- Accident-related damage
- Instances where you use your car in a way it wasn't intended to be used by the manufacturer
- Regular wear and tear
Almost everything in your car is covered by the basic factory warranty, including your mechanical components, your electrical components, and your sound system. It is important to realize, however, that car warranties last for a set period of time or a specified distance in miles. Typically, auto warranties cover 3 years or roughly 36,000 miles. With that being said, it's always wise to check with the dealership about the fine details of the warranty offered on the vehicle you are considering
You may not think purchasing an extended warranty for your vehicle is necessary; if you change vehicles often, this might be true. However, know that when your original factory warranty expires, you are left fully responsible for any expensive repair costs. You can purchase an extended warranty through your manufacturer, your local dealer, or a third-party provider.
At Hennessy Automobile Companies, we offer a range of solutions to help you keep your vehicle protected long-term. Please get in touch with us right away if you have any inquiries about our protective services.
Should I purchase additional products from the F&I (Finance & Insurance) Office?
There are three key questions to ask yourself when it comes to purchasing extra F&I Products:
- Does it add value to my lease or purchase?
- Is it a protection against future high costs?
- Is it affordable, or does it make sense?
For instance, lease agreements provide coverage against excessive wear and tear. Are you a frequent off-roader? Are your roads pothole-ridden? Are you an intense driver? If so, having additional coverage could be well worth the investment. Be sure to discuss these options with the F&I department that you are working with.
Should I purchase GAP Insurance?
The answer is always yes when financing a vehicle for more than three years.
Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP) helps you pay off your loan in case of a car accident. Consider the following example: you purchase a car for $30,000 and have an accident in year two that causes it to be totaled. It is estimated that the value of your auto is $15,000, but you still owe $20,000. GAP swoops in and saves the day by paying your bank directly for the additional $5,000, so you don't have to worry about making an out-of-pocket payment.
Should I buy an Extended Service Contract?
If you plan to keep the vehicle after the manufacturer's warranty expires, yes is your answer.
Finding an extended warranty that fits your budget and needs is as simple as doing some research, though make sure to always buy from a credible source! Should you have questions specific to your vehicle, get in touch with your local Hennessy Automobile Companies dealer.
Need a Recap?
At this point, you know the 12 essential questions – from sales to finance – that every prospective first-time car owner should be asking themselves. If you’re in the market for your first car, take a moment to pause and ask yourself the following before taking action:
- What vehicle best fits my lifestyle?
- Do I want a new or used vehicle?
- Am I looking to lease or buy?
- Is the vehicle I want available?
- What is the vehicle’s actual cost?
- Have any aftermarket features been added?
- What are the terms of my payment?
- How does a credit report work, and what role does it play in my buying power?
- What is the warranty coverage like?
- Should I purchase extra products from F&I that will add to my payment amount?
- Should I purchase GAP insurance?
- Should I purchase an extended service contract?
Whether you’ll be commuting to work in the city, traveling and living on the road, or simply running errands with the family, there is a perfect first car for everyone!
At Hennessy Automobile Companies, our customers are more than customers– they are clients and family.
From our family to yours, we invite you to take the next step in your search as a first time car buyer and visit one of our 11 dealerships in the Atlanta area: Jaguar Land Rover Buckhead, Jaguar Land Rover North Atlanta, Jaguar Land Rover Gwinnett, Hennessy Buick GMC, Hennessy Mazda, Hennessy Porsche North Atlanta, Hennessy Lexus of Gwinnett, Hennessy Lexus of Atlanta, Hennessy Cadillac, Hennessy Ford Lincoln Atlanta, and Hennessy Honda.