What to Know as a First-Time Buyer | Speck Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram

1: Determine Your Needs and Wants 2: Research the Vehicle You Need 3: Build a Budget 4: Time for a Test Drive! 5: Secure Financing

Buying your first vehicle is an exciting milestone that every first-time driver celebrates, marking a new level of freedom and independence. However, it can quickly become overwhelming when you start hearing terms like “car loan,” “finance options,” “certified pre-owned,” and other industry jargon that might feel confusing or intimidating. These factors can sometimes take the fun out of the process and add unnecessary stress to what should be a memorable occasion.

At Speck Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Sunnyside, we’re here to ensure your first-time car buying experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. From helping you understand your financing options to exploring the benefits of new and pre-owned vehicles, our friendly and knowledgeable team is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the journey. Let us help make your first car purchase a positive, stress-free memory that you’ll treasure for years to come!

1: Determine Your Needs and Wants

Before browsing a dealership, the first step is determining what features and specs you need rather than the ones you want. What is the purpose of the vehicle? If you’re looking for a truck, check out Ram models. Jeep has the perfect SUV for you if you need a versatile off-roader!

What size do you need? A Chrysler or Dodge sedan would work if you travel to Prosser with little to haul. If you need something with extra room, a full-size SUV or a mini-van is up your alley. What features do you need? Think about safety and tech. If you travel frequently, you may want additional driver assistance systems rather than a large touchscreen. In the first step, you must distinguish between what you “need” and “want,” which will help narrow your search.

2: Research the Vehicle You Need

The second step takes your needs and carries them to the search bar. You’ll now have to find a vehicle you want and conduct more research on things like reliability, resale value, safety ratings, and more!

When first-time buyers reach this stage, they hit the search bar with “Where are cheap cars near me?” Instead of chasing dead ends, view our used vehicle lot, with a selection dedicated to models priced 20K and below! Once you think you have a vehicle you want, search for reviews on KBB or other trusted sites to ensure you have a ride that can last a lifetime. If you choose to view KBB, you can check the market value to ensure you’re getting a fair deal, and you can write that number down to help with negotiations!

3: Build a Budget

The third step after picking out a car is to build your budget and set money aside for monthly payments, fuel, fees, and more!

Knowing your credit score is a fantastic place to start. Many first-time buyers might ask, “What if I have no credit?” That’s no problem with Speck CDJR. We help many drivers get car loans with little to no credit, and we are committed to finding you the perfect rates and terms to fit any need! Once you have your credit score, it’s time for a down payment. Traditionally, most buyers put down 10-20% of the car’s price as a down payment, but if your credit needs work, it’s best to put more than 20% to offset high interest rates. Lastly, you’ll have to budget for expenses other than your car loan, such as fuel, repairs, insurance, and other monthly costs you had before your vehicle payment.

5: Secure Financing

The financing process can clog up with multiple papers, but it is a crucial step as this will finalize what car loan, rates, and terms you’ll get with your vehicle. You can speed up the process with Speck CDJR by applying for financing. That can eliminate time dealing with paperwork, as you’ve already applied. Our Car Payment Calculator can visually estimate your monthly payment with customizable terms, rates, and more!

First-Time Buy with Speck CDJR!

Purchasing your first vehicle can be overwhelming, but with Speck CDJR, you’ll be better equipped to find the perfect ride rather than searching for “Cheap cars near me,” with enough research anytime, you’ll become a proud owner! Are you eager to start your car-buying journey near Prosser? Check out Speck CDJR in Sunnyside, WA, where we offer fantastic vehicles ready for a test drive!

4: Time for a Test Drive!

Now that you have a model you can afford, it’s time to get your hands on that car and get behind the wheel! When you test drive a car, you’ll need to look for things traditional research can’t cover, like how comfortable it is, how it handles, how the tech works, and more!

When you sit down, assess how the upholstery can support you and your passengers for long car rides. When you drive, feel how responsive the braking and acceleration are. Try out the technology and familiarize yourself with its capabilities and how to use it while driving.

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Day	Open	Closed
Monday	8:00AM	7:00PM
Tuesday	8:00AM	7:00PM
Wednesday	8:00AM	7:00PM
Thursday	8:00AM	7:00PM
Friday	8:00AM	7:00PM
Saturday	9:00AM	6:00PM
Sunday	10:00AM	5:00PM