First-time car buyer here. what do i need to know about cars?

I know this is a sort of %26#039;stupid%26#039; question and I just happen to be one of the very few people who know very little about cars and their brands and It just seems like an overwhelming task for me to go through all the research and financing (i don%26#039;t even know exactly what %26#039;financing%26#039;%26#039; is, and if I am using the term correctly). I need help here, my friends. And by the way I just got my very first credit card 2 weeks ago, if that helps add more detail to my rather exquisite inexperience.

First-time car buyer here. what do i need to know about cars?

Since it sounds like you have limited credit, you might want to check with your bank or credit union to see if they will approve you for a loan and about how much per month your payment can be. Interest rates vary greatly and limited credit can sometimes cause you to get a higher rate.

If you are buying new, you will want to research a vehicle that fits your needs including current rebates, incentives, and if the offer first time buyers programs.

http://www.edmunds.com %26lt;-- Great site for TMV (True Market Value)

For a used vehicle, you will want to do a through check of the car as well as a vehicle history report. It is a good idea to bring someone who has car knowledge and possible a mechanic to look it over. Make sure you are completely satisfied with the vehicle and the price before you sign papers because there are no 72 hour returns policies. Good Luck.

http://www.usedcarevaluator.com %26lt;-- Great site for learning what to look for as well as print a bill of sale and/or dealership worksheet.

First-time car buyer here. what do i need to know about cars?

Gt a professional inspection before you buy!

First-time car buyer here. what do i need to know about cars?

a bit of advice. the most expensive cars cost $500. spend over a thousand bucks on a used, fuel injected vehicle. personally, one of japanese origin with only one drive axle (front wheel drive or rear wheel drive), and not more than a little abuse or rust. Take it to a local reputable shop for an assessment...and if they say it%26#039;s ok and you like it...be prepared to spend some money on the car. think of it as an investment in your personal safety and well being. do you have an uncle or cousin with greasy tools? not always, but sometimes, it helps.

financing is a term for spending lots of money. nowadays, with the option of 0% dealer financing, it sounds like a good idea to buy new...but it makes it next to impossible to haggle the buy in price and the value of the car can only go down. personally, i%26#039;d spend cash and get a good old car.

First-time car buyer here. what do i need to know about cars?

First of all you will need to add the price of insurance, gas, and maintenance before you decide how much you can afford. There are many individuals and dealers that may take advantage of you as a first time buyer. I would bring someone to the dealer that knows how to negotiate price and have the car checked by a mechanic before you buy. Toyota cars are known to be reliable. If you want to go it alone Carmax or Saturn would be a good place to buy a car.

First-time car buyer here. what do i need to know about cars?

1) Check out consumer reports or similar on the makes you are interested in

2) Honda and Toyota always get good maintenance and dependability reviews, Volkswagens ahve good engineering

3) Gas is only going to get more expensive, seriously consider a hybrid - both Honda and Toyota have had models for some years so they are proven

4) I%26#039;d suggest you look into a good used car rather than new for your first