We all make mistakes. You’ve probably done a few wrong choices in the past that you wish you hadn’t done. Your choice of career, your choice of words, and your choice of business—they are critical and have lasting effects on your financials. Here are ones you definitely should avoid: mistakes when buying a car, especially if you’re a first-time buyer. Knowing the dos and don’ts would not only help you avoid big expenses. It would also help you save up in the long run:
1. Not doing your homework.
We can’t stress this enough, but skipping the research phase is a big no-no, especially if it’s your first time to buy a car. Yes, experience is a good teacher, but you probably wouldn’t want to learn things the hard way. As with all major purchases, you need to know and look into car makes and models, reviews, pricing, rebates and incentives and negotiating techniques. Doing so would grant you an opportunity to negotiate on a good deal as well.
2. Relying on just one option.
Widen your horizons; seek out better deals, more affordable deals to be exact. As with all purchases, you have the choice to pick one that would work best for you. Do not be convinced to immediately buy in on your first walkthrough. Ask around, look at various car ads, and visit different car dealership showrooms. That way, you’d be able to compare prices and deals.
3. Buying from a salesperson you don’t trust.
Remember your main goal is for you to get the right car at the right price. Similar with the tip above, you also have the option to turn down a salesperson and walk away. If they seem too pushy or not knowledgeable about the car at all, then don’t bother to stay. On the other hand, the following are positive signs:
- The salesperson can demonstrate the features of the car and help match a customer to the right car.
- The salesperson listens well and answers your questions directly.
4. Not going through a test drive.
Never commit this critical mistake. When you’re buying a cellphone (or any other electronic device or appliances for that matter), you’d definitely want to check and see if it turns on. You have the right to check if it will be your money’s worth. You’re the one who’s going to drive, and you definitely want to make sure that your chosen car would run smooth and safely.
5. Not thinking it through.
You have to be sure about your decision; otherwise, it’ll all be just a big waste of your time and money. If your workplace or school is just a few steps away then there’s no point in availing one, especially if you don’t really have any reason to travel on weekends. If you’re more of a home-person, think about the pros and cons and how often you’d probably be using the car.
6. Not availing car insurance.
(Note: The only insurance required by LTO is third-party liability insurance and not comprehensive car insurance, which is what AutoCare is all about.) Not only would it pay for damages done on your vehicle. It would also cover physical injury and medical bills. Isn’t that amazing?
With all of these in mind, you are definitely ready to avail your very own car insurance; however, you’re not sure where to purchase one. At Cebuana Lhuillier, we offer the AutoCARE Insurance, a Standard Comprehensive Car Insurance that covers Own Damage (OD), Theft, Loss and/or Damage. Excess Bodily Injury (EBI), Excess Property Damage (EPD), and Acts of God/Nature (AOG/AON). So what are you waiting for? Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now—we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.