It’s that time of year again. Students across the country are getting ready to go back to college and high school. If you want to head back to campus in your very own new Dodge vehicle but you’ve never purchased an automobile before, you may be wondering where to start. The car buying process can be a lot of fun if you follow some basic tips to get you through it, starting with being realistic about your budget.
Figure out what your cost of living is by adding what you pay monthly for the things you need to live comfortably such as food, shelter, utilities, and clothing. The difference between the total amount of your living expenses and the amount you earn monthly is what you can afford to spend on vehicle expenses, including your monthly car payment. It’s generally wise to pad the total amount of your living expenses so you’ll have extra money available if you want to do something special in a given month or if an emergency arises.
Remember that owning a vehicle involves more than making a monthly loan or lease payment. You’ll also have to pay for fuel, routine maintenance, and, if your car doesn’t have a warranty, repairs as well. So don’t forget to factor these expenses into your budget.
Once you know how much you can spend on vehicle expenses every month, you need to identify your transportation needs and start researching the vehicles that suit your lifestyle and fit into your budget. You also need to determine the features your first car absolutely, positively must have and those that you can do without.
The next tip is to work with a reputable dealership to find the car you want, take a test drive, and arrange your financing. The sales and finance experts at our Dodge dealership near Long Beach, CA are ready to help you get the vehicle you want to take back to school with you. While some dealerships struggle to secure financing for first-time car buyers, our experts successfully arrange financing options for students who haven’t had the chance to establish a credit history yet on a regular basis.
When you work with our Dodge dealership to buy or lease your first car, you work with a partner that will help you with all of your automotive needs before and after you buy or lease a vehicle. Give us a call, contact us online, or visit Champion Chrysler Jeep® Dodge RAM to find your first car today.
