If you’re a first-time car buyer, you’re in for a lot of excitement! Investing in a vehicle is a great responsibility, but don’t let it intimidate you. Here at Steve White Volkswagen, we work hard to keep our customers thoroughly informed and relaxed throughout the process. Let us help you get started on your car-buying journey with a few questions that are important for you to ask yourself. We’ll even throw in a few tips on what you should ask us while looking around the lot!

Why do I need the car?

Always ask yourself why you need a car in the first place. If you’ve recently landed a new job and need it for commuting purposes, maybe you should consider a car that has great gas mileage. Or perhaps you’re a college student or the outdoorsy adventuring type and fun features like a sunroof are more important to you. Whatever the reason may be for needing a car, knowing your needs will help you to quickly narrow down your options after you start looking.

What are my must-haves?

Before you start actually looking at cars, you also need to ask yourself what your must-haves are. If you’re living in a big city where parallel parking is common, a rear-view camera is a potential must-have. Or if you’re anticipating raising a family in the foreseeable future, you might want to look at more spacious vehicles known for their safety and reliability. Knowing what you really want in a car will also help you continue narrowing down your choices.

How much can I afford?

One of the most important questions to ask yourself at the earliest stages of your vehicle shopping adventure is how much you are able to spend. Set a well-defined budget for yourself and be realistic about what vehicle you can expect to get within those limits.

May I see a copy of the car's history report?

If you’ve decided buying a used vehicle is a better option for you than buying new, always ask about the accident history of the car you’re considering. Ideally, the dealer will provide you with both the CARFAX report and an AutoCheck report. This allows you to know about damages or problems that the vehicle has experienced so that you can make a more informed decision about whether to buy.

If you have any questions about buying a car or need assistance in finding a vehicle that is right for you, please feel free to contact us directly or stop by our dealership at 100 Duvall Drive,Greenville, SC 29607. We look forward to serving customers from Asheville, NC, Columbia, Spartanburg, Anderson, SC, and throughout the Upstate.