You’ve passed your driving test, you’ve survived endless waiting at the DMV, and now you’re ready to hit the road! The picture on your driver’s license may not be the most flattering, but you’re riding a high that’s reserved for those entering the realm of the highway-ready.
Now for the big question - what car should you drive?
That license means nothing without a vehicle to drive in, and borrowing won’t work forever, so it might be time to consider finding a car of your own.
Are you ready to buy your first car?
Adulting Is For the Brave
Growing up is not for the faint of heart. Practicality needs to step up to the front seat more often than not on bigger decisions like this one. Especially for someone looking at cars for the first time, there’s a lot of good information - and some not-so-good - to be found.
Luckily, here at Lincoln of Troy, we care about the whole car-buying experience, from the idea-generating sessions to the endless smiles on faces as customers drive away in their dream ride. We’re here every day to make this experience as pain-free and fun as possible.
Car-shopping can feel overwhelming at times, despite the excitement of newness, but we’re here to help coach you through it.
Where Do I Start?
The best place to start is to get all the ideas, hopes, and dreams for your future car out on paper. Take a big sheet of paper and brainstorm your ideal car. Here are some questions you should ask yourself as you generate ideas:
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What is my actual budget? (Remember to factor in any financing options you may choose and the interest that comes with them.)
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Am I looking for a new or used car? How many miles should it have on it?
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Which type of vehicle fits me and my travel needs best? (Car, truck, SUV, etc.)
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How many people will I need to transport on a regular basis?
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What are 3 exterior features I think look great on a car?
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What are the 3 most important interior features I want to have in my car?
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Are there any non-negotiable safety features I’m looking for?
Sort your thoughts into 3 columns: Must-Have (things your car absolutely needs to include, no exceptions), Like to Have (features you’d like if they’re available, but they’re not necessities), and Can’t Have (if the car has this quality, it’s automatically off the list).
This can help you organize your ideas a bit more and will be a visual reminder, like a checklist, that you can use as you test drive vehicles at our Lincoln of Troy dealership.
Pick a Day To Explore
Once you’ve solidified a list of wants and needs, it’s time to set up an appointment or just stop by a dealership to try some out. You never know if you’re ready to buy your first car until you find the one that’s perfect for you, and our team here at Lincoln of Troy is more than happy to help you do just that.
Talk through your list with us and share what’s important to you during the car search process. We’ll do our best to explain everything about the cars that catch your eye, and maybe even suggest a few of our own using our years of experience.
Talk It Out
After you’ve driven a few to get the feel of the cars, take your list home and get some feedback from people who know you and your situation well. It never hurts to listen to the advice of others - some of your friends and family may know more about cars than you thought and can help you choose the perfect one!
Sleep on it - a good night’s rest is always a good idea, and if you wake up still thinking about that car you test drove the day before, that could be a sign that it’s just what you need. You could be driving that car to work every morning!
Am I Ready?
You’ve done the research, and you’ve test-driven a bunch of vehicles. Your Google search history is a giant, messy web of car search histories and internet recommendations. You’ve seen the cars and chosen one that fits all of your criteria. You’re almost to the finish line after finally finding The One - should you take the leap and buy your first car?
The idea of “readiness” is relative - at the end of the day, you know yourself best, and this big decision rests in your hands. Just know that we’re here for every step, so reach out if you have questions or want to try anything out at our Troy, MI location!