How do a soon to be college freshmen go about getting their first car from a car dealership?

Answer 1

Just lay 40 thousand dollar bills down on the salesman desk. You will walk in and drive home.

Other than that, having a good down payment and being 18 years of age will work.

Answer 2

First things first, if you're getting a car loan to get the car, see if you're parents will be willing to co-sign on a loan. I'll assume your credit rating will not be that great (being a college freshmen) and having them co-sign will help lower your monthly parents. I know you might want to have independence from them (college is usually where some people like to start to completely pull away from mom/dad), but if you show your parents you'll be responsible in making your payments, you'll really enjoy the lower payments.

Secondly, what are your future plans? Do you plan to get married, start a family in the next couple of years? If you plan to keep the car for awhile (i.e. not get a lease, etc.) you'll want to think acouple years down the road. A nice mid-size SUV (thinking Kia Sorento, Ford Escape, etc.) would do you good for any of this possibilities. If you're a "attention getter", there are always other vehicles to choose, but thinking sensibly, I would recommend those. (Note: It's not a paid endorsement, but I've found Kia to include many so-called "luxury features" on their sorento's, and Sorento's come at a low priced compared to other mid-size SUVs without these options. So, alittle convenience without the "convenient" costs.)

Third, you'll NOT want to buy BRAND-NEW, unless, once again, you're an "attention getter" and want the bragging rights with being able to say "I bought it brand-new". Most all dealers have vehicles with 30,000 or less miles, and these vehicles have BARELY been broken in. I'm sure RIGHT NOW is a good time for these, as you can probably pickup a few 2007 models that will fall under this category. So, you can have the attention (and the loan rate) of a NEW 2007 vehicle, while not throwing $1000's of dollars in profit towards the Auto Manufacturer, etc (which is truly all you're doing if you buy BRAND NEW).

Lastly, I think throughout this informative topic, I've tried to preach conservative. Going to college is expensive and, unless money is no option for you, you're gonna wanna be "conservative-aggressive" with this purchase. Try to get what you want in a vehicle, for a fair amount. Go in knowing how much to pay (check Kelly Blue Book, Consumer Reports, etc.) and walk away unless they meet your demands. Remember, you're the boss. You're making the purchase. Don't let them use the smypathy trick on you. No car salesman is "for you". You are the only one on your side (Note: No matter what, bring a friend/family member along. Coach these friend or family member on what you want, and how much you're willing to pay. Make sure they stand up for what you believe in. Bargaining with a dealership can get pretty hairy, and you'll want someone to have your side in the issue.).

Remember, if all else fails, you can go elsewhere and live with the accomplishship of knowing you stuck to your guns. ;) Good luck.

Answer 3

Walk in to a dealership.
Pick out a car.
Negotiate.
Get financing.
Drive away in a new car.

Answer 4

Driving a new car as your first car will probably do a lot more harm to you then driving an old car. You will never work on it yourself (because new cars can't be worked on), you will never learn to really drive with all the traction control gadjets/junk.

New cars are truly overrated. Buy used.