First-Time Car Buyer’s Guide

Looking at your first car purchase? Whether you’re shopping for a reliable vehicle, upgrading to a better one, or finally getting behind the wheel, the first-time car-buying process can feel confusing and daunting with the sheer number of factors to consider, from price to mileage to financing to insurance to condition. There is, obviously, more to your vehicle purchase than the clean-looking car on the lot. There is a lot to check out and questions to ask. You should also know what to look out for that could turn into problems later. This guide helps first-time car buyers understand what to check before signing on the dotted line, especially regarding exterior damage, hail damage, paint condition, and repair history.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

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Set a Budget

Remember, your budget isn’t just the price of the vehicle or monthly payments. It’s also the insurance, registration, fuel, maintenance, tires, and repairs. A cheaper vehicle could become problematic later due to body damage requiring body and paint work, glass replacement, and mechanical work. Determine your monthly budget and how much you can allocate to vehicle-related costs before you start car shopping, to avoid overextending your budget on a used vehicle that will be costly to maintain.

The Right Vehicle

While there is nothing wrong with buying based on looks, color, and features, you also want to think about your specific needs. Are you driving to the mountains a lot or to school or work? Are you driving for long distances? Do you need extra cargo room? Do you prefer an SUV for added traction in the Colorado weather? A smaller sedan could be a better choice when insurance and parking are needed. SUVs may take up more room but come with higher tire, fuel, and repair costs. Get the vehicle that works for you and fits your needs.

Vehicle History

You can find information in a history report about past damage, title status, mileage issues, and repairs, and this should be part of the information you collect. It is not the end-all be-all. Be alert for repetitive damage, salvage titles, flood history, and previous repairs. You should also request any maintenance records available and be wary of vehicles with regular oil changes, tire rotations, and documented service history versus those that are hard to get information about and have unknown histories.

Resource: vehiclehistory.bja.ojp.gov

Inspect the Vehicle

The car’s exterior condition can say a lot about how it has been driven and maintained. Inspect the vehicle in natural daylight and from several perspectives, as dents and dings are often easier to spot when light reflects across the panels. Check the following areas carefully:

• Glass damage
• Hood
• Roof
• Trunk
• Doors
• Fenders
• Quarter panels
• Scratches
• Cracked trim

Look for Hail Damage

Hail damage may not affect drivability and performance, but it does affect resale value and insurance issues. Colorado hail damage is something you want to avoid, if you can. Hail can damage the paint and require repairs, lowering your resale value. Be especially mindful of hail damage on light-colored vehicles and vehicles that have been recently washed. Check horizontal panels, including the hood, roof, and trunk, as well as the areas around the windshield, rear glass, roof rails, and the top of the door frame. Hail damage doesn’t make a car a bad buy, but the vehicle should be appropriately priced due to the cost of repairs.

Understand the Repair Method

Paintless dent repair, also known as PDR, is the repair method used for smaller dents and hail damage when the paint is left intact, and the metal can simply be massaged back into its original shape rather than being sanded, filled, and painted. For first-time car shoppers, a Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) vehicle may be the best choice, since most of them suffer from minor dents, dings, or hail damage. When the damage qualifies for repair, it allows the original factory paint to remain intact, which is better for both the look and the long-term value of a car.

Review The Paint Condition

Paint problems are far more expensive than they may seem. Scratches, peeling clear coat, and paint overspray are all warning signs that the vehicle suffered previous damage or was repaired incorrectly. In fact, uneven panel gaps and paint overspray may suggest previous body work. Check if the color matches panel to panel and look at the gaps surrounding the doors, hood, and trunk. Uneven spacing, roughness, overspray, or peeling are red flags that the vehicle may have undergone body work or been repaired with low-quality work. If you’re still uncertain about paint condition, bring in a paint specialist for an inspection.

Test The Lights, Glass, And Trim

First-time buyers are more focused on performance-related features, such as engine and mileage, so it’s easy to skip minor details like exterior trim, glass, and lights. Replacing lights or windows is far cheaper when done sooner rather than later. Check your windshield for cracks and chips, and inspect lights to see if headlights, tail lights, turn signals, brake lights, and reverse lights all work properly. Check that your side mirrors function properly and inspect the exterior trim for any loose or cracked pieces. Finally, check for impact marks, scratches, and chips on bumpers and exterior trim pieces. All of these small checks can help you decide whether to keep looking or attempt to negotiate a lower price.

Take A Proper Road Test

During a road test, it is important to make sure the car feels safe and comfortable. You should have time to evaluate the car’s comfort, visibility, braking, handling, and steering, and note any interior noise or vibration. The vehicle should drive without hesitation or unusual noises at neighborhood speed as well as highway speeds. Be sure to check that the car drives straight and that the steering wheel is not pulling to one side. A good car is about more than good looks. You need one that handles safely and provides comfort to its driver.

Get A Pre-Purchase Inspection

A pre-purchase inspection may be one of the most important steps a first-time car buyer can take to ensure their car is in good running order. A certified mechanic can check for issues with the engine, brakes, transmission, fluids, belts, tires, and suspension. An auto body or dent repair specialist can review exterior damage, hail dents, paint condition, and the quality of previous body repairs. Although this adds to the final bill, it can help you avoid buying a car with hidden problems.

Ask Smart Questions

Before you make a commitment, don’t be afraid to ask the seller questions such as:

• Has the vehicle ever had hail damage?
• Has the vehicle ever been in an accident?
• Are there any active insurance claims?
• Has any paint or body work been completed?
• Are maintenance records available?
• Are there any known mechanical or electrical issues?
• Is the title clean?

You should also look out for red flags during the sale, like vague answers, missing repair records, and high-pressure sales tactics. Getting answers to your questions helps you better understand a vehicle’s history and future.

Consider Long-Term Protection

After you purchase your first car, exterior protection measures like window tinting and clear bra installation can help the vehicle stay in better condition for years to come. Window tinting can help protect your interior from sun exposure and make summer drives more comfortable, while a clear bra can help protect painted surfaces from rock chips, road debris, and other sources of abrasion or daily wear. Along with exterior protection, you can keep the car in better condition through regular maintenance, such as washing, parking in a covered area when possible, and promptly repairing scratches or dents.

Final Thoughts

Your first car is one of your biggest purchases, so make sure you spend time looking beyond the price. A reliable vehicle should fit your budget and your needs, have a clean title and clear history, and be in good mechanical and cosmetic condition. Certified Hail and Dent assists Colorado Springs area car owners with auto hail repair, paintless dent repair, bumper repair, window tinting, and clear bra installation. If you are considering purchasing a car with hail or exterior damage, schedule an appointment with Certified Hail and Dent for a professional inspection and estimate before you make your final purchase.