5 serious mistakes to avoid when buying your first car.
The moment you hold the keys, start the engine, and drive your first car is always a memorable experience. However, mistakes can also lead to many risks and costly lessons.
Owning a first car is a significant milestone for many people. However, not everyone is truly satisfied with their initial choice. In fact, many people feel disappointed and have to sell their car at a loss after only a short period of use.
Speaking with VietNamNet, Mr. Duong Trung Kien – Director of Kien Phong Automobile Trading and Service Company Limited, who has nearly 20 years of experience in the car buying and selling business – said that first-time car buyers often lack experience and easily choose the wrong car that doesn't suit their actual needs. For example, many people are attracted to large SUVs even though they mainly travel in cramped urban areas, causing inconvenience in use.
In addition, many people overspend on cars without considering additional costs such as fuel, insurance, maintenance, and parking, leading to financial pressure. Another common mistake is making a hasty decision without test driving the car, leaving them disappointed when they realize the car doesn't meet their expectations.
"Everyone has different financial conditions, preferences, intended uses, and levels of understanding about different car models. Therefore, you can't apply one person's criteria to another. Most importantly, first-time car buyers need to be level-headed, do thorough research, and create a reasonable financial plan to make the right decision," Kien shared.
Based on his experience, Mr. Kien points out 5 common mistakes that first-time car buyers often make and how to avoid them to make the best choice:
1. Choosing a car that doesn't suit your needs.
Many people buy cars based on preference or trends without properly assessing their actual needs. For example, a small family living in a cramped area with limited parking might choose a bulky SUV instead of a compact, fuel-efficient model.
Ways to prevent it:Clearly define your intended use: city commuting, family use, or business? If you mainly drive in the city and rarely travel outside the city, a sedan or hatchback is a sensible choice. If you need ample space for your family, an SUV or MPV would be more suitable.
2. Failing to carefully calculate usage costs leads to falling into a financial "trap".
Those who have never owned a car may find it difficult to calculate all the monthly costs of owning one. Besides the initial purchase price, car owners also have to pay for fuel, maintenance, insurance, road tolls, parking, and even fines for traffic violations. This makes it easy for users to fall into a financial trap, turning the car into a burden for themselves and their families.
Ways to prevent it:Before buying a car, make a list of recurring expenses and estimate the total amount you'll spend each month. Choose a car with low fuel consumption and reasonable maintenance costs to avoid financial pressure later on.
3. Only focusing on new cars, ignoring used cars.
Many people try to buy a brand new car for their first purchase because they think used cars are prone to breakdowns and unreliable. However, in reality, a used car that has been well-maintained and regularly serviced by its previous owner is still a good long-term option. Furthermore, buying a used car can save a considerable amount of money, making it a viable choice for those with limited budgets.
Ways to prevent it:If you have a limited budget, consider buying a used car from reputable dealers. It's advisable to have a professional thoroughly inspect the vehicle and negotiate a reasonable price.
4. Buying a defective car or a car with legal issues.
One of the biggest risks when buying a car, especially a used one, is buying a faulty vehicle or one with legal issues. In fact, some cars with product defects, accident history, flood damage, odometer tampering, or those that are smuggled or mortgaged are still advertised at attractive prices. Without thorough inspection, buyers can easily fall into a trap and end up with costly repairs later, as well as unnecessary legal troubles.
Ways to prevent it:Always inspect and test drive the vehicle before making a purchase to assess driving feel, ride comfort, visibility, and safety features. Also, thoroughly check the vehicle's history, including registration papers, chassis and engine numbers, and any outstanding traffic violations. Consider using "vehicle inspection" services at dealerships or reputable locations to verify the vehicle's technical and legal status.
5. Choosing the wrong time to buy a car.
Whether it's a new or used car, the timing of the purchase greatly affects the price. Many people buy cars when the market is booming (like during the period leading up to Tet), and have to accept higher prices, fewer promotions, and even have to pay extra to get the car immediately.
Prevention methodsMonitor the market and buy a car during periods of strong promotions or off-peak sales (when registration fees are subsidized, during the Ghost Month, when manufacturers need to clear out old stock, etc.). Don't hesitate to negotiate for a better price or additional benefits such as free insurance or accessories.
