I got to 30, 2 kids and a college degree, having never driven or owned a vehicle. I recently got my license, and am wanting to start driving, but have no idea how buying a car or getting insurance works. I’m in Alberta, Canada. I have ok credit. I hate the idea of walking into a dealership with no fucking idea what to even say or ask for, and am lacking in parental figures to ask. eli5?
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Watch videos on common dealership tactics to rope you into paying more, via interest on a loan as an example, definitely shop around dealerships of all neighboring towns to see which one gives you best price, they operate under one vehicle make but are essentially independent of each other.
Bargain, AB is in deep shit of a recession, it’s your golden time to buy as their sales are low now.
If it’s a used car, have a mechanic take a look at it, not the one employed by dealers, an independent one, referral to a one they usually work with is ok.
Shop around for an insurance, get quotes. Some banks, like TD, give you discounts if you purchase multiple products from them, like bank with them, car insurance and home insurance. Get those quotes in writing, like email.
Do the usual dealership thing of buying, others have written on that topic. Take insurance, then go register.
Read the car manual, best QA ever.
Winter tires in AB is a must! See a multiple car pileup? We call it “Annual summer tire club meeting” for a reason.
If you are a new driver, consider a cheaper car because chances of an accident for you are much higher due to inexperience, i.e you can’t predict idiots’ actions and avoid them in a timely manner yet and you will yourself make mistakes too. With that, a cheaper car is cheaper to repair (think honda vs a Mercedes) and if it’s a used one, cheap parts are always are at a local pick-n-pull.
If there is a diesel one, get that, diesel combined with smaller engine means cheaper fuel costs. Mine goes from Calgary to Vancouver on a single tank and some is still left.
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