[A028] Dip Stick: Buy and Care For Your First Ride

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Are you excited to cruise around in the first car you buy for yourself? There’s something about having your own ride. Independence. Flexibility. A sense of accomplishment.

Even though you might use public transit for most of your daily commuting needs, having your own car can be a much-needed upgrade, especially if you plan to do more independent travel (road trip, maybe?)

The ins and outs of buying your first car can be intimidating, so it helps to know how to approach the process. Know what to expect, and you can purchase the ride you want — without being taken for a ride.

Once you have your first ride, though, it’s important to make sure that you are caring for it properly. If you don’t take good care of your car, you’ll end up paying for it in the long run.

Concepts

• When to consider buying a car.
• Can you really afford a car?
• How to avoid falling for pricey sales tactics.
• Tips for negotiating as you buy your first car.
• Essential maintenance for your first car.
• Strategies for lengthening the life of your car.

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Resources

Auto loan and affordability calculators

Trends in car buying

Guide to buying a new car

Guide to buying a used car