Headshot courtesy Lakeside Toyota. For many Louisianians, having access to a vehicle is an essential part of one’s lifestyle. Whether due to a lack of reliable public transportation, professional demands, or being responsible for shuttling family members around, a vehicle is a necessary tool needed to accomplish daily routines. It can also be one of the most expensive and significant lifetime investments individuals make. As the Vice President of Lakeside Toyota, a dealership in Metairie, Louisiana, I understand that buying a car is not just a simple transaction, rather, it’s a serious undertaking that requires perspective buyers to do their research, know their allocated budget and understand their needs. Because of this, the car-buying experience can be both an exciting and possibly an overwhelming experience for young adults and first-time drivers. The good news is that the car buying journey is improving at dealerships. According to a Cox Automotive Study, 73% of new-vehicle buyers were highly satisfied with their dealership experience in 2023. The report shows that dealerships still remain the go-to source for buyers over purchasing vehicles entirely online because they offer consumer-friendly opportunities, such as test driving, inventory options, delivery processes and price adjustments. Dealerships are here to serve the consumer and make sure their needs and wants are met. By following these helpful tips, young adults and first-time drivers will have the knowledge and authority to be a confident buyer and can make the best decision when it comes to purchasing their first car. Do your research Finding the perfect car can feel like a treasure hunt, and the best adventurers are those who know exactly what they’re after and how much gold they can spend. Luckily, there’s a treasure trove of information available to consumers on the internet for all types of vehicles, from safety rankings and gas consumption to pricing availability and resale options. Buyers can find specific information about vehicles on dealers’ websites, including models, features, gas mileage, price, incentives and VIN numbers. Researching consumer data and vehicle information ahead of time can not only help narrow down the choice of vehicle, but it can also equip potential buyers with the right questions to ask and what to negotiate during the purchase process. Know your budget and financial limitations Speaking of affordability, when it comes to buying a car, there’s a lot more to consider than just the sticker price. All vehicles require different monthly payments over time, including interest fees, insurance costs, maintenance and fuel expenses. It is important for buyers to review their financials to assess what they feel comfortable spending so they don’t end up purchasing a vehicle they can’t afford. A perspective buyer should be aware of their credit score, determine a down payment and monthly note their budget can accommodate, and request an auto insurance quote to total up the cost of a new vehicle. Also, some dealerships offer special discounts for students, military personnel and first responders. Buyers should make sure to ask what deals they qualify for before making a purchase. Another financial option to consider is leasing. Depending on how far and often an individual plans to drive, some may discover that leasing a vehicle for 3-5 years might be a better choice for their lifestyle than it would be to purchase the vehicle. The best buyers are those who understand their needs, know what they want and what price they can afford. Establishing a budget and setting financial limitations isn’t just about maintaining a healthy bank account, it’s also about snagging the best deal at the dealership of their choice. Test drive and shop around No matter how much a consumer may read about it, nothing beats the feeling of actually driving a car to know if it’s the right choice for them. Thankfully, local dealerships offer test drives, which will reveal a lot to the buyer. Is the car comfortable and is it intuitive to drive? Does it have ‘blind spots’? Can I reach the cupholder and operate the radio? Is there legroom for passengers? These are the tangibles that buyers can’t find online and will need to see for themselves. Plus, they get the chance to inspect the vehicle in-person, which can help perspective buyers spot any issues before their purchase. In Louisiana’s franchise system, all new car and truck dealerships operate under laws and regulations that protect consumers and naturally drive dealerships to compete for business. So, don’t be afraid to shop around by visiting multiple dealerships in the area. This helps buyers get a full understanding of local inventories and allows them to compare the best deal for their purchase. Be patient and confident to make the best decision for you Purchasing a car for the first time can be both fun and exciting, but these emotions can lead to impulsive decisions. A perspective buyer should be patient when making their decision. By researching and planning ahead, buyers can feel comfortable asking the necessary questions, negotiating with sales representatives, taking test drives in multiple cars and spending time learning about the vehicle’s features before making their final decision. Remember, a confident buyer always comes prepared and ready to make a deal, but also understands they have options and can visit different dealerships in order to find the perfect deal for them. Keith Hanks is the vice president of Lakeside Toyota and serves on the Board of Directors for the Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association.