If you're thinking about buying a car but don't know where to start, keep reading this post by K&K Oil and Lube in Clermont to learn the main things you should consider throughout the shopping process. 

Are you ready to buy your first vehicle? If so, it goes without saying you're excited to drive more safely and independently around town. Yet, buying a vehicle can sometimes become overwhelming. After all, you'll be going over hundreds of different car models, types, and sizes. Likewise, you'll encounter many sellers, deals, and negotiations. So, if you're a first-time car buyer but don't know where to start, you might need a few handy tips. Thus, keep reading this post by K&K Oil and Lube to learn the main aspects to consider when buying a car.

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Keep the Following Considerations in Mind When Buying a Car

Start by Reviewing Your Budget

For starters, figure out how much you can afford for a vehicle before getting your hopes up for a particular model. A good rule of thumb is to spend no more than 20% of your monthly take-home pay on a car. With that in mind, review your savings and gross income to set a realistic and affordable budget. If you don't know where to start, look for online budgeting tools, tutorials, or apps to assess your numbers and estimates. Also, remember that the vehicle's sale price isn't the budget's total but a part of it; hence, include the following extra costs:

• Fuel expenses per month
• Insurance policy payment
• Registration fee
• License plate fee
• Maintenance payments

What Do You Want to Get From Your Car?

The next step is to determine what you need a vehicle to do for you. For example, suppose you have young children and need a comfortable, spacious, and safe car to drive them to school. In that case, you could use a sedan or minivan. Likewise, imagine you have a boat and need a vehicle to tow it to the best fishing spots. In such a scenario, you would need a pickup with a large towing capacity or an SUV. In any case, you must have your needs clear to find the options to fit them. For this, ask yourself the following type of questions:

• What do you need your vehicle to do for you?
• How many years of use are you planning to get out of the car?
• Do you plan to go on the road often?
• How many seats do you need in a car?
• What is the condition of the streets you'll be driving on?

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New or Used?

Once you determine your budget and needs, you'll have to choose between buying a new car or a used one. If you're like most people, you probably dream of buying a new vehicle. After all, new cars are the most reliable since they have brand new parts and a warranty. Yet, the average price of new cars is around $47,000; hence, they are the most expensive option. Moreover, new cars lose up to 20% of their value during the first twelve months of use. So, if you decide to buy a new car, we recommend you look for a model with excellent fuel efficiency and reliability, as these are the ones that best maintain their value. Pre-owned vehicles are also an excellent option. Besides being affordable, used cars can be as good as new ones if they have one or two years of use. If you choose to go for a pre-loved model, we recommend you get a mechanic to inspect it before you buy it. After all, previous owners often overlook damages when selling them.

Book Test Drives

The next step is to schedule a test drive with your top two or three choices to see which car is right for you. During each test drive, evaluate how comfortable the driving position is. Also, notice how the steering wheel feels, as it should feel light and smooth. Don't forget to brake, speed up and turn to find out how responsive the vehicle is. If possible, drive on different roads to see how each car reacts to curves, steep roads, or expressways. At the end of each test, you can even list the pros and cons of each vehicle to help you choose the most suitable model.

Make Your Buying Decision When You Are Ready

Choosing a car is not a decision you should take lightly. Thus, our last recommendation is that you take your time to decide. For example, suppose that after taking a test drive, the dealer offers you an enticing deal to close the sale at that moment. In such a case, avoid making an impulsive decision, even if the test drive went well. Instead, ask the dealer for a final estimate that breaks down all the fees and taxes associated with the car. This way, you can review and compare the last quotes to make the best buying decision.

After buying a car, one of the main things to consider is its maintenance and service. That said, call K&K Oil and Lube at (918) 269-0081 to get the most effective synthetic oil change in Clermont. Don't forget to visit AMSOIL's online store to order top-shelf formulas for its maintenance.