How to Buy Your First Car: Steps to Make it Easy

How to buy your first car with confidence. Let's get started!

Determine Your Budget

It's important to figure out how much you can afford It's important to figure out how much you can afford Calculate Your Monthly Income and Expenses Calculate Your Monthly Income and Expenses Factor in Additional Costs Factor in Additional Costs Consider Financing Options Consider Financing Options

Decide Between New and Used

Research Cars That Fit Your Needs

Purpose Purpose Fuel Efficiency Fuel Efficiency Safety Features Safety Features Reliability Reliability

Test Drive Your Top Choices

Comfort Comfort Handling Handling Visibility Visibility Pro Tip : Test drive the car in different conditions, such as on highways and in stop-and-go traffic (City). Pro Tip : Test drive the car in different conditions, such as on highways and in stop-and-go traffic (City).

Get a Vehicle History Report (For Used Cars)

Accident History Accident History Ownership History Ownership History Service Records Service Records

Arrange Financing

Get Pre-Approved Get Pre-Approved Compare Interest Rates Compare Interest Rates Read the Fine Print Read the Fine Print

Finalize the Paperwork

Review the Contract Review the Contract Get Insurance Get Insurance Register the Car Register the Car

Take Delivery of Your Car

Inspect the Car Inspect the Car Ask Questions Ask Questions Keep All Documents Keep All Documents Learn more