3 tips for buying your first car with Lucas Scarfone
By Kijiji AutosYou’ve saved up for years and now it’s finally time. No more asking Mom & Dad for a ride, no more bus tickets and no more bicycle. It’s time for you to pick out your first car. But where do you even start?
I was in the same scenario not too long ago. Like most first time car buyers, I was young and wasn’t exactly rolling with a huge budget, but on top of that, I was also a lifetime automotive enthusiast so I was looking for something with some performance. Not everyone might be as into the automotive world as myself, but I think a lot of young people struggle with the same challenge – what can they afford that has some cool factor.
How to buy your first car
I started out by considering what my unique needs were and went from there. As a working automotive photographer, my first car needed to have ample cargo space to fit all of my camera gear and prints. The side of me that prioritizes performance immediately ruled out a van or large SUV, how could I carve up the back roads in something built to get to hockey practice? This left the perfect compromise, a hatchback.
My strategy when buying my first car was to get something brand new and reliable with a warranty, this would make sure I could make it to all my shoots on time without having to worry about if my car would start. My top options based on my budget at the time were the Nissan Versa, Toyota Matrix and Volkswagen Golf. I preferred the look and feel of the Golf, but at the higher end of my budget, I decided that the Toyota Matrix was a good compromise for the price and it had a great reputation for reliability.
This is what worked for me, but it’s different for everyone. As someone who spends a lot of time around cars, a lot of my friends ask me my opinion on how to go about buying a first car they are proud to drive. This is what I always ask that they consider:
How much car can I afford?
Sure, most people would love a new Ferrari 488 Spider for their first car, but unfortunately, for those my age, it’s typically not in the cards financially. If you have a set budget in mind, you’d actually be surprised by what interesting cars are available with a little bit of research.
Which type of car is best?
Do you plan on using your car for camping trips or to help your friends move? Or do you just need something with 4 wheels to get you to school and back? What you are going to use your car for is one of the best things to help you narrow down your search. For me, I had to consider my photography job and equipment.
How long should you keep your first car?
How long are you planning on keeping your first car? Knowing this may help you refine your search. In my case, I knew I wouldn’t be buying anything else for a while, so I wanted to go for a new model. This will depend a lot on your budget but it’s important to consider whether you’d prefer lower kilometers if you plan on having the car for a long time, vs. an older model with higher kilometers if you know you’ll be looking to upgrade within a few years.
Buying a vehicle, let alone your very first one, can be overwhelming and challenging, but this is where Kijiji Autos comes to the rescue. With hundreds of thousands of new cars available nationwide, including my very own first car, the Toyota Matrix, you can be sure you’ll find a wide variety of vehicle listings that can fit any budget!
Easily find your next ride on Kijiji Autos
Search nowCoupe vs Sedan: What’s The Difference?
Coupes and sedans can both provide you with practical, fuel efficient transport that can also be fun to drive. Both body styles have their advantages and drawbacks depending on what you’re looking for in a new vehicle. In this article we’ll examine the differences between coupes and sedans and define both vehicles with examples.Is it hard to drive an SUV?
if you're stopping yourself from buying an SUV because you're afraid it's more difficult to maneuver, you'll be pleased to know that's not the case. In fact, first-time drivers will find driving an SUV no more challenging than smaller vehicles like sedans, as long as they follow a few tips outlined below.Sedan vs SUV: Which one is right for you?
Sedans and SUVs are two of the most popular kinds of vehicle on the market today. This article will examine the different characteristics of sedans and SUVs, highlighting the areas in which each shines and where their shortcomings lie to help you make the right choice on your next vehicle.Top 11 SUVs for Winter Driving in Canada
SUVs are some of the best-suited vehicles for winter conditions with a wealth of standard and available features to help you stay in control and get where you're going when the temperature plummets below zero. Here are 11 of the top SUVs for winter driving.Your Guide to Hatchback Cars in Canada
Hatchback cars are defined by their tailgate, which raises up to give access to the rear cargo area. Hatchbacks can feature two or four doors plus the tailgate, and follow what's known as a two-box design. The engine compartment at the front of the car makes up one box, with the second comprising the passenger cabin and cargo area.10 affordable convertible cars in Canada
It may be cliché, but there honestly is nothing like feeling the wind in your hair as you cruise down the highway in a convertible with the top down. Here, we explore 10 affordable convertible cars (in no particular order) to inspire you to dive into Kijiji Autos' listings and find your next vehicle.10 popular full size vans for your family or business
Whether you need to transport people or goods, a large van can be a practical choice. You might be wondering who makes full size vans or what is the best full size for family. Here are 10 of the top big vans for sale in Canada in 2022, in no particular order:10 popular luxury vehicles in Canada
From luxury family cars to executive sedans, luxury sports cars to the latest electric vehicles, Kijiji Autos has a fantastic selection of new and used luxury cars for sale in your area. Here are 10 of the top-selling luxury vehicles in Canada, in no particular order:10 New Cars that have a good resale value
While it is true that a used vehicle rarely resells for the original ticket price, there are plenty of cars that hold value even after being driven.A quick guide to van life: 10 of the best vans to live in
Dreaming of a simpler life? Love travelling but hate sleeping in a different bed every night? Maybe it's time to embrace #vanlife, a lifestyle trend that answers the call of the open road.