So you are starting to get annoyed with the hassle of being a daily commuter and convinced yourself that you need a car. Before you get too excited, I'd like to share with you some of the things that I considered in my quest of getting mine (hopefully very soon). I must warn you though, I am not a car guru nor have been driving cars for a long time:
1. Budget - Unless your parents are giving you the car, this will ultimately drive which car you will be getting. Whether you'll get yours using cash or credit, the key here is to not use up all of your savings. Bear in mind that aside from the actual cost of the car, there are at least 3 things that will surely bleed your wallet: insurance, maintenance costs, and fuel costs. Having the capability to buy a car is NOT enough, you also need to be capable of owning one.
Also, a car cannot be considered an investment, as it loses around 20% of its monetary value the moment you take it out of the dealer shop, and will continually depreciate every year.
2. Usage and Size - If you are just using your future car for going to and from work and going out with friends, then a small or a subcompact (4- and 5-seaters) is the right one for you. Cars of these classes are not just easier to drive, but are also usually fuel-efficient. Do you need more space? Hatchbacks are very good-looking, but will not be sufficient if you think you need a trunk.
If you plan to go somewhere with your large family over weekends, then you'll need a bigger car (7-seaters and up). New designs for pick-ups are also getting very stylish nowadays that they can be your utility vehicle and at the same time double as your everyday car. Remind yourself though that the bigger the car, the bigger its price tag and the higher the insurance costs it usually gets.
3. Used or New - If you don't mind the cost, then I'd say go for a brand new car. It will save you from the surprises (the bad kind) a used car usually gives, and will keep your mind at peace for around 3 years. But if you are short of funds, getting a 2nd-hand car is more logical. Just make sure you bring a trusted mechanic with you, as looking for used cars can be a bit tricky especially after typhoon Ondoy submerged thousands of cars last 2009.
4. Make/Brand - Japanese brands like Toyota, Mitsubishi, and Honda still dominate the Philippine market today. Korean cars like Hyundai/Kia are quickly catching up, while Chinese car makers are still struggling to make their mark. Each of them has their own good or bad reputation, but if you are not loyal to a brand, I think it is wiser to read and research about a particular car model rather than looking at a brand in general.
5. Colors/Designs/Features - These things sometimes become deal-breakers. In my case, I was inclined to getting a Toyota Vios but then the 2011 Hyundai Accent turned out to have better features despite being cheaper. The design is also more modern, as opposed to the simplistic style of the Vios. I have a friend who wanted a certain car model, but backed out when he learned that the color he likes is not available. You may also want to check the safety, audio connectivity, instrument panels, and other features that will matter in the long run.
My biggest piece of advice to someone who is getting a car, used or new: Research! Try to learn as much as you can about your target car. Read reviews, listen to current owners, and ask every possible question to the dealers.
Do not rush. The trick here is, think about whether after 5 years, you still see yourself driving and enjoying your choice of car. This is so you don't end up like those who regret buying a car and do not have the capability to get a new one (because they're still paying for something they actually hate).
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