Tips For A First Time Car Owner
December 13th, 2021 | By Nautica Insurance
Buying a car can be an exciting experience for many of us, but it also comes with some apprehension and uncertainty. With this article, we hope to make your first time as a car owner easier by providing you with some helpful tips.
The difference between buying a new and used car
One of the first questions that you'll need to ask yourself is: "Should I buy a new or used car?" In general, there are pros and cons to both buying a new and used car. Buying a used car may save you some money, but it can also come with additional risks depending on the age and make of the vehicle so it is important to make wise choices. Most local used vehicles that are less than four years old would most likely be in top shape as they would have been dealership maintained and you would be able to continue this relationship with the dealer after your purchase. The foreign used market offers a lot of great options on vehicles with some dealers now offering service packages but warranties are limited on these vehicles.
​
New cars usually come at a higher price than their pre-owned counterparts, but they typically bring more features and options as well as better customer service. If you're looking for a high-performance vehicle, a new car might be best for you. If your budget is limited, or if you just want something fun to drive around town without driving too much stress into your life, then buying a pre-owned vehicle could be the right choice for you.
​
Remember: It's not always about what's best for you; it's about what feels right. It'll ultimately depend on how much faith and trust you have in the dealership and manufacturer of your chosen vehicle.
How to finance your next car
One of the most important decisions you'll make is whether or not to purchase your car using a loan. There are many different financing options available, so it's best to do your research and understand all of them thoroughly before deciding which one is best for you.
​
Some people would opt to do a cash purchase of their vehicle using their saving while most would have to engage a financial institution like Commercial Banks, Credit Unions and other financing institutions like Caribbean Finance Company Limited which offers flexible options for both new and used vehicle purchases.
​
All of these institutions offer instant no-obligation quotes, so feel free to shop around.
Buying the right kind of insurance for you
Insurance is a necessity when it comes to owning a car.
Unfortunately, the process of researching and buying the right kind of insurance can be complicated and time consuming for new owners. Also, in an effort to increase profit margins many insurance agents leave out a lot of incentives that can benefit new car buyers and this results in most new car owners missing out on the best options.
​
At Nautica for example, we help vehicle owners find the right kind of insurance coverage for their needs, at a price that fits their budget. We'll work with you to create a policy that addresses all your needs and won't leave any gaps in coverage, ensuring that you get the best coverage possible which also includes premium financing options. Learn more here.
How to maintain your car after purchase
Once you drive the car off the lot and have paid for it, you'll need to maintain your car in order to keep it on the road.
Maintaining your car doesn't mean driving it into the ground—it means maintaining it properly so that it lasts as long as possible.
There are a few things that you should keep in mind when maintaining your car:
​
1) You should stick to your maintenance schedule to ensure that your warranty remains valid throughout the designated period.
2) You should always change the oil regularly and make sure that your air filter is clean.
3) You should wash and wax your car every so often in order to keep its exterior looking like new.
This will ensure that you're not taking advantage of the warranty's guarantee when buying a used vehicle, and that you don't damage what could be a long-lasting investment.
Conclusion
Car ownership is a significant investment that offers a huge convenience to your life. We hope the above tips would be helpful to you on your new car ownership journey.
LIKED THIS ARTICLE?
SHARE IT TO YOUR FAVOURITE PLATFORM!
Other Featured Articles
3 Ways to Bring in the New Year at Home
December 30, 2021 | By Nautica Insurance
The new year is just around the corner. The countdown has begun and your resolutions are in full gear. There's no better way to prepare for whatever this year has in store for you than to spend it in the comfort of your own home. We've rounded up five ways you can bring in the New Year at home and ring in a fresh start, without leaving the house!
