Do you find yourself getting sick and tired of squeezing into crowded buses or trains during your daily commute to work? Are you dreaming of having fun impromptu road trips to explore new places with your friends and family whenever you want? How about having the peace of mind of getting access to your personal vehicle in case of emergency situations? If you wish to have a lifestyle that exudes independence, convenience and flexibility, buying your own car is a great choice for you.
Mobility has been a major challenge for commuters during the pandemic. With all the strict lockdowns and massive restrictions on public transport in order to curb the spread of the virus, some people turned to alternative modes of transportation to reach their workplace or run errands. Owning a car is still a luxury for many, but with all these restrictions as well as the fear of contracting COVID-19, it seems that purchasing a private vehicle has become a necessity for others.
Finding your First Car Purchase?
Being crammed into a jam-packed train or bus can be very risky, health-wise, in the midst of this global crisis. Based on the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we can still protect ourselves while using public transit by practicing physical distancing and properly wearing a mask. But if you have the option, driving your own car can also limit your exposure to germs, along with riding a bike or taking a stroll to the office, according to WebMD.
If you possess a private car, you don’t have to depend on other people for you to arrive at your destination. No need to adjust your itinerary to the schedule of public transport. No more queueing at the sweaty train station or endlessly waiting for a jeepney or taxi ride in the rain. You’ll feel a sense of freedom and have greater control over your own time and activities – you can go on long drives by yourself, take your relatives to an out-of-town trip, shop for groceries hassle-free, bring your pet to the vet, etc.
All set to get behind the wheel and drive anywhere you like? Buying one’s first car can be a really exciting adventure for newbies but it’s a pretty daunting task, too. It involves a lot of research, financial preparation and responsibility. In this checklist, we compiled some of the useful tips that can help you with your investment:
Set a Realistic Budget
Before buying your first set of wheels, make sure that you can really afford it without sacrificing your other basic necessities like food, health care and shelter. You don’t want to spend all your hard-earned savings in an expensive vehicle and drown in an ocean of debt afterwards. If you have plenty of funds to spare, paying full in cash can save you from worrying about interests, monthly fees and other hassles. However, you may also have the option to pay on an instalment basis so you don’t have to drain your bank account.
But always remember to buy a car that is within your means. Just because you can get a loan doesn’t mean you have to choose the most lavish car model out there. Aside from the amount of your initial down payment, you also have to consider your monthly car loan payments, the years to pay and interest rate. Does it fit within your budget? Remember that there are other expenses that come with your car purchase such as gas, insurance, maintenance, repairs, toll fees, parking, registration, car wash, etc. Make sure that you include these additional costs in computing for your budget. Set a realistic price range and stick to it.
Assess your Needs
You wouldn’t pick your ideal car based on its looks alone, right? You also have to figure out what you need it for and find something that best suits your lifestyle, interests and personality. Perhaps you’re a young professional or a student who needs an everyday ride to your office or university, and you want something sleek and compact.
Would you mostly use your car for your off-road travels and weekend getaways with friends? Do you need a bigger vehicle that would fit your whole family as well as your luggages? Is your garage spacious enough for it? How many car seats do you need for the little ones? How is the weather in your city? It’s very important to take note of these considerations, so you can narrow down your search for your dream car. There’s a plethora of car models with different features to choose from, so you have to know exactly the specific reasons why you’re purchasing a car.
Do the Research
Now that you’ve already specified your needs, it’s time to do your homework of gathering information about the car models that you’re considering to buy. It’s quite convenient to do your research through the Internet where you can read comprehensive online reviews, forums and blog posts about a car’s performance, features and automotive specs.
There are also reliable car reviews in magazines and other publications where you can find more information, ratings and driving impressions about the car you want to purchase. Compare it to similar models. Don’t forget to check the price list and payment options.
For more insights, you can ask your trusted friends and family about their first-hand experiences with their own cars. Inquire about the pros and cons of the vehicle they are driving. Tell them the car you like and ask for their honest advice about it. This will further aid you in your buying decision before going to the car dealer.
Shop Around for the Car of your Dreams
Here comes the fun part – shopping! It’s important to take your time in picking the right unit and car dealer for you. Don’t rush the process, since you’re expected to use the vehicle you’re buying for a long time.
Probably you already have a particular car in mind, but it won’t hurt to check out the other models as well so you can explore your options based on your financial capabilities. You can even use a reliable car comparison tool to study the specs and features of the models that you’re eyeing.
Are you going to purchase a brand new car or are you going for a second-hand vehicle? If you’re tight on the budget, you can opt to buy a used car because it’s a more affordable alternative. Typically, pre-owned cars also have cheaper insurance costs. However, a new car can save you from repairs and maintenance. It also includes the latest safety features and warranty protection.
Look for car sellers online or go to various car dealerships to compare their prices and financing deals. Ask your car expert buddy to accompany you so you can better weigh in your choices.
Go for a Test Drive
So now’s the time to meet the car you’ve been raving about! Not everything that looks good on paper or on screen turns out impressive in real life execution. Online videos are great, but nothing beats first-hand experience in deciding whether the car you like is the perfect fit for you. Afterall, you will live with this vehicle for years and you will also be spending a huge amount of money to buy it.
Taking the car on a test drive will determine if you have a connection with it and if it actually meets your expectations. Call your preferred dealerships to make appointments and bring someone knowledgeable with you when you take the cars for a spin. Check its interior and exterior. Consider the vehicle’s acceleration, visibility, noise, steering, breaks etc.
Get into the driver’s seat, feel the steering wheel and evaluate – When it comes to comfort and overall performance, which among your desired vehicles feel right for you? Does the engine make strange noises? Does it run smoothly or roughly? Are the controls flawlessly working? Are the breaks responsive and reliable? Does the car have sufficient legroom and cargo space? Is the passenger seat comfortable for long rides? How’s the air-conditioning system? Take your time here and don’t settle for a car that you’re not totally sure about.
Make the Final Decision and Seal the Deal
If you are completely happy and contented after all the meticulous inspections and test drives, and you have finally decided on getting your own dream car, it’s time to compute the total price of the vehicle you chose. Ask the dealership for a breakdown of the hidden fees, costs, taxes and other expenses, then check carefully. Always negotiate the price with the seller or dealer (who might give you an additional discount) to get the best deal possible.
If you have concerns, don’t hesitate to ask the car dealer or owner before your big purchase. Prepare all the necessary documents when applying for a car loan and take into consideration the payment terms and interest rates. Before signing anything, read your contract carefully and study the warranty agreements as well as the terms of financing. After closing the deal, take your first set of wheels home and drive safely!
Secure a Safe Place to Keep your Investment
Aside from buying your first car, looking for a property investment in the Philippines is another major decision that you can make to upgrade your lifestyle. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Metro Manila, why not opt for a pre-selling condo in Davao and discover what the “King City of the South” has to offer?
Davao City, a highly-urbanized city in the island of Mindanao, is the heart of trade, commerce, tourism, education and finance in the Southern Philippines that makes it an attractive property investment hub. You can drive around, go sightseeing and explore the multicultural city recognized as one of Asia’s most livable cities by the now defunct Asiaweek magazine. It is also the largest city in the Philippines in terms of land area.
It is a fantastic destination for both tourists and investors because they can combine business with pleasure in the city. Some of the best things to do in Davao include visiting the Philippine Eagle, hiking Mount Apo, tasting Davao’s local delights like the durian fruit, and attending the vibrant Kadayawan Festival.
Aside from experiencing its breathtaking views, eco-adventure attractions and rich wildlife, you will also be delighted by the warmth and hospitality of the Dabawenyos! The “Crown Jewel of Mindanao” is a melting pot of diverse cultures and peoples where ethnic tribes live alongside the local residents as well as the migrants from various places and walks of life.
Interested to Buy an Affordable Condo for Sale in Davao City?
Camella Manors Frontera is a resort-themed condo in Davao that blends premier frontier living, nature-inspired surroundings and cosmopolitan condominium lifestyle. It has the perfect mix of city and suburban vibe that travelers, young professionals, students, families and investors will surely love!
Frontera, a 1.8-hectare project, is set to be completed in 2023. The condo village will have six 8-storey buildings with 143 units per building. It is open for official reservations.
Frontera is just a 2-hour flight away from Manila, making it accessible for both local and foreign tourists. The condo is strategically located at the heart of an emerging business district in Tigatto Road, Buhangin, Davao City, surrounded by leisure hubs, lifestyle centers and other business establishments. A commercial strip of its own—a convenient place where the residents can get their daily essentials—will soon open shop, too.
Tourist spots, major infrastructures, churches, hospitals, schools, malls and parks are also within reach. One of the cozy perks of condo living in Frontera is enjoying resort-like amenities such as the meditation garden, infinity pool, picnic hubs, sandbox play pit, al fresco fitness park, clubhouse lounge, jogging trails, kiddie pool, amphitheater pews, event hall and pocket park.
The condominium also has 24/7 security and an electric perimeter fence to keep you and your family safe.
It is wise to invest in a real estate property that is situated in a rising business hub. If you plan on generating passive income from the condo, you may avail the Vista leasing services and rent out your unit. There are also ongoing infrastructure projects near the property that can cause the land value in this area to appreciate.
Ready to come home to Camella Manors? Kindly go to its official page for inquiries and reservations.
