Tips for First Time Car Buyers

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AutoNation USA's Tips for First Time Car Buyers

Becoming a first-time car buyer is an exciting milestone, and it signifies a new chapter in your life. You'll have more freedom of mobility and new opportunities for adventure with your very own car.

And just like everything else in life, there isn't an instruction manual on how to acquire your first car, nor is there a right or wrong way to go about it since everyone's situation and lifestyle needs are unique.

That said, there are some common practices and general strategies that we can share. And hopefully, these tips can help your very first car-buying experience be as smooth as possible.

How to Buy a Car

When you're ready to buy your first car, the main thing you'll want to make sure you do is perform lots of research. Research the make and model of the car you want, research the dealership you'll be working with, and research when manufacturers offer incentives, bonuses, or rebates.

Luckily for you, AutoNation USA's website can help you accomplish all of this in one convenient place. You can start at AutoNation Drive to learn about the newest vehicles with the help of shopping guides and expert test drive reviews. Then use the convenient vehicle search function to locate your desired car across AutoNation USA's massive inventory, and connect with the best used car dealership near you.

First Car Buying Tips and Best Practices

Just like when you try on clothes to make sure they fit properly, it's important to test drive your potential new car in realistic scenarios to ensure a matching lifestyle fit. Feel free to bring the entire family to your local AutoNation USA dealership so everyone can interact with the used car.

Don't be shy about asking to test drive the car on various types of streets as well as the highway to get a feel for the vehicle's acceleration and handling dynamics.

And just because you started the car buying experience in a used car dealership doesn't mean that you have to end it at the dealership. AutoNation USA offers convenient store-to-door delivery - start at a dealership and finish online, or vice versa.

Who Has the Best First-Time Car Buyer Program?

Every AutoNation USA dealership offers no-hassle financing for first-time car buyers, and many retail locations also provide additional rebate assistance to recent college graduates and eligible military personnel. 

As a first-time car buyer, it's likely that you have little to no credit history. But that's OK because AutoNation USA will work to find a lender and program that can accommodate these scenarios that are unique to first-time car buyers.

In terms of incentives and rebates for first-time car buyers, many AutoNation USA retail locations will have special deals around major U.S. holidays and near the end of the year.

Securing a First-Time Car Buyer Loan

Not all first-time car buyers are the same, which is why AutoNation USA has teamed up with hundreds of banks across the country to offer a wide range of finance options.

The process is safe, secure, and fast, and it starts with an easy pre-qualification that doesn't impact your credit score. With some basic information, you can complete the secure online application and instantly see your financing options.

AutoNation USA's financing experts are also on-hand to help every first-time car buyer get matched with the best lender and program for their unique situation. These experts have lots of experience assisting customers with all types of credit to find a car payment and auto loan that fits their budget.

You can even text "NEWCAR" TO 91000 to get a pre-approved auto loan in seconds. This feature does not impact your credit score, and you'll have an offer sent via email so you can quickly start browsing for used cars within your budget.

Stress-Free Car-Shopping

Get pre-qualified for financing without impacting your credit score.

Get Pre-Qualified

What Do You Need When Buying a Car?

When shopping for a used car, it's helpful to have the following things handy: 

Patience: While the actual transaction of buying your first car is quick and easy thanks to AutoNation USA's many convenience features, falling in love with your first car and finding confidence that a specific vehicle is the best match for you may take some time and effort. Don't rush, and utilize all of the tools offered by AutoNation USA to research and buy the ideal used car for your current lifestyle.   

Lots of Questions: This is your first time buying and owning a car, so don't be shy about asking your local AutoNation USA representative questions about the car-buying process or the vehicle itself. They're here to empower you to make the best decisions around getting into your first car.   

Required Documents: To fast-track the final stages of the used car buying process, it's helpful to have your driver's license, proof of car insurance, your preferred payment method, and any discount or rebate eligibility proof (like a military ID or student ID) ready.