How to choose your first car
By Kijiji Autos
Buying your first car can be a smart and economical decision. But how do you choose the best first car that fits both your lifestyle and your budget? Read this simple guide from Kijiji Autos:
1. Consider the cost
Owning a car costs a lot more than just the vehicle itself. If you've been saving for a new ride, don't forget to include the cost of registration, maintenance, gas and insurance.
Parking in some places is no small fee either. The cost of an underground parking spot in downtown Toronto and Vancouver can be as high as $50,000. Street parking is always available, but don't forget to factor in the cost of the permit.
2. Think long term
So, you want to buy a car, but you're also thinking about starting a family. And while it's just you and your significant other at the moment, you might want to consider looking at models that can accommodate a new family member. In fact, deciding to become a car owner is often motivated by this lifestyle change. Picking a family car, such as an SUV, full-size sedan or minivan might make more sense.
3. Pick a car that fits your lifestyle
What do you want the car for? Do you have to haul heavy-duty gear from worksite to worksite? A pickup truck might suit you best. Do you plan on using your vehicle for weekend shopping sprees and occasional family visits to the suburbs? Then perhaps opt for a snazzy city car. Deciding how you're going to use your car should tell you what kind of body is the most suitable for you.
4. Change your mindset about used cars
Even if you can afford to buy a brand-new model, there are many reasons to consider buying used. Purchasing a two or three-year-old certified pre-owned model gives you all the benefits of a new car (including warranties) but at a much lower cost.
On the other hand, buying a used car just for the sake of spending less money might be a false economy if the car you buy ends up at the mechanic's garage five times a year. Some due diligence is necessary when determining whether or not a car is worth it. A CARFAX report, which gives you the vehicle's history, can really help.
5. Don't rely on specs alone
Kijiji Autos can help you shop for your first car with confidence with our easy-to-use advanced search options that can help you connect with a dealer today. We've accumulated all the essential information you need to compare models, reach out to sellers and find the best price for the car you want.
The only thing we can't do is to test drive the vehicle for you. While the car you're looking at looks good on paper, nothing is more telling than getting behind the wheel and taking it for a spin. Specs can tell you a lot, but they can't tell you how a car feels to drive.
Your well-being is our top priority. Consider whether in-person transactions are necessary and visit our Help Desk for more details and guidance. Follow Kijiji Autos' community safety tips for more advice about confidently connecting with dealers or sellers during COVID-19.
Easily find your next ride on Kijiji Autos
Search now![Man unloading wood from the bed of his pickup truck]()
10 popular work vehicles to consider
Built to provide rugged strength with a spacious and functional design, work vehicles help you overcome whatever challenges you might face throughout your day on the job site. Kijiji Autos makes it easy to browse and search through a wide selection of new and gently used work vehicles, so that...![5 thing to ask the mechanic during car inspection]()
The inspection: 5 things to ask the mechanic
The car ad may be appealing, the seller very nice, but when it comes to buying a used car, there’s nothing better than arranging for a basic inspection by a mechanic. After all, even if you’ve done your homework and examined the CARFAX Canada report that provides you with the vehicle’s complete...![8 things to know before buying a new car]()
8 things to know before buying a new car
Buying a car is an important step in life and requires sound planning. Here are some questions to ask yourself before choosing a new set of wheels. City or country Before buying a vehicle, you should first consider the environment in which you live. It seems obvious, but this basic information...![10 questions to ask your dealer before buying a new car]()
10 questions to ask your dealer before buying a new car
Here are 10 questions your dealer will be glad to answer and will help you find the information you need. 1. Do you have a car that meets my needs? This is a broad question but a good place to start because it means you have to define your own requirements. Do you need big towing capacity or...![Buyer's guide: 8 things to inspect when buying a used car]()
Buyers Guide: 8 things to inspect when buying a used car
There’s so much to choose from and an almost endless number of models, but it all boils down to your own tastes and needs. Once you’ve unearthed that rare gem, it would benefit you to take a few precautions before making your purchase. 1- Study the CARFAX Canada report CARFAX Canada is a report...![What to look for when buying used tires]()
What to look for when buying used tires
Buying used tires can seem daunting to the uninitiated. Here are some tips to make sure you end up with quality, well-kept tires: Regardless of how many safety and performance features a vehicle has, their effectiveness is ultimately decided by the tires. That small patch of rubber at the bottom...![5 family friendly cars that arent minivans]()
5 family-friendly cars that aren’t minivans
Having a family shouldn’t mean we’re destined to drive a minivan or an SUV. For those who’d prefer something else, the market offers a number of appealing options. Here are five cars that might fit the bill for you and your family. Mazda 5 The Mazda 5 is the only vehicle in the Mazda lineup...![Man sitting on a bench looking at his phone]()
4 things you should know before picking your hybrid or electric car
Hybrid and electric vehicles have certainly come a long way since they first debuted on the mass market in the late 90s. If the time has finally come for you to buy a hybrid or e-car that suits your lifestyle, here are some things to consider before going for a test drive. 1. Know the difference...![8 Mistakes First Time Car Buyers Make]()
8 Mistakes first-time car buyers make
Here’s a look at the eight most common mistakes made by first-time car buyers and how you can avoid them. Mistake #1: You didn’t do enough research After buying a house or business, purchasing a car could be the second- or third-largest purchase you make in your entire life. Wouldn’t you want...![Test drive your next new car]()
Test drive your next new car confidently with these 8 tips
You can do all the research in the world and read everything the experts say, but there's really only one way to find out if a car is right for you: Take it out for a spin. Here are eight steps for an effective test drive! When testing vehicles, car journalists often drive for several hundred...
