There is a widespread belief that women know nothing about cars whatsoever and that it’s a topic that doesn’t even interest them. Even though there are many who believe this, there are also women who know and love their cars and are proud to say that they’re every bit as knowledgeable as men. Girl bosses strive to achieve excellence and perfection in every sphere of their lives, and buying a car is no different. If you’re looking to buy a car yourself, here’s what you need to know:
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First the budget
First things first: how much money are you willing (and able) to put aside for your car? It’s important for this sum of money to be something you’re comfortable paying and not worry about how you’ll going to survive afterwards. Down payment is important and you need to figure out just how much you can afford to put down. Buying a new car is a huge investment and if you can’t afford it at the moment, you could consider trading in the one you’re driving at the moment or buying a used one.
Then your needs
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After you’ve reviewed your budget, it’s time you take a look at your needs so you can pick the right car for you. Will you be spending a lot of time on the open road or are you going to drive the car in the city? Are you only going to use the car to get to your office or are you considering using it for road trips with your friends every now and then? Do you absolutely need an automatic or can you handle a stick shift? All these things are important, and you should definitely figure out what features you absolutely need and which ones you want but can live without.
Footwork is necessary
After you’ve made your selection, it’s time to go and see the car you’re interested in. Have a goal in mind: will you just see the car, ask questions, test-drive it or buy it? Don’t push yourself to do something you’re not actually sure about. When you see the car, make sure you check under the hood and test-drive it. This is the tricky part, so it’s always a good idea to bring along a friend who knows a thing or two about cars. The choice is yours and you shouldn’t let others talk you into making a purchase if you’re not 100% sure that’s what you actually want to do.
Stay on top of things
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After you purchase your car, the fun doesn’t stop – it’s time to think about servicing it. Even if everything works perfectly, visiting a mechanic two times a year is recommended. If you travel a lot, find a mechanic in every city you’ll be visiting. Having the phone number of a good mobile mechanic in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane will save you a lot of trouble in case of an emergency. Instead of getting under the hood and fixing the car yourself, you should call a professional so that you can be sure that everything is in order. This way, you won’t have to worry about car emergencies on the road.
Embrace technology
Cars today are very different from the ones our parents and grandparents used to drive. There are wifi and high-tech additions that are meant to make your life and your driving much easier. You won’t have to worry about getting lost when you have Google Maps, you won’t be bored with Spotify, and you’ll park like the boss you are with parking sensors and cameras. There are also cars that have large infotainment screens that are perfect for kids as well as panoramic glass roofs that allow you to enjoy the perfect view.
Buying a car is always stressful, and many aren’t prepared for the hours of research and hard work that are required if you’re looking for the perfect vehicle. It doesn’t matter if you’re on a limited budget or you’re looking for something luxurious, you need to prioritize and find the car that fits all your criteria. Remember, be informed and ready to negotiate and you’ll end up with the car of your dreams without going bankrupt.
About the author:
Claire Hastings is a wanderer and a writer. She writes as long as she can remember, and she is very passionate about fashion, running, other cultures, and her cat.