What to consider when buying your first car

4 min

By Renault

Buying your first car is a significant milestone, but it can also be a daunting experience if you're not prepared. Walking into a dealership often feels overwhelming – you may not know where to start or who to talk to. But don’t worry, because at Renault SA we’ve got your back! We’ve created some pointers on what to consider when buying your first car.

1. Understand what you need

Before you even step into a dealership, it's essential to understand what you need from a vehicle

Ask yourself:

What will I be using my car for? Will I do more daily commuting and occasional family trips, or do longer drives for work?
How many people will I have to transport regularly? Do I need extra space for kids, friends, or pets?
Do I need significant boot space for luggage, sports equipment, or other items? Or will a smaller boot be suitable for a few odd bags or grocery shopping?
How much will I drive on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis? (This will impact fuel efficiency considerations, and ultimately, your budget).

Having clear answers to these questions will help you and the salesperson narrow down your options to vehicles that suit your lifestyle.

2. Research and shortlist

Once you have a good idea of your needs, research potential models that align with your minimum criteria. Next, you can shortlist two to three models that fit the bill. When you visit the dealership, you can then discuss these options in detail with the sales consultant.

3. Rely on your consultant

At the dealership, you'll be greeted by a sales consultant. They will guide you through the process and become your ally in finding the best vehicle for your needs. Be honest and open when discussing your needs with consultants – they are trained to match you to the right vehicle.

A good place to start your discussion is by highlighting what's important to you. Whether you want to prioritise safety features, connectivity (like Android Auto or Apple CarPlay), or fuel efficiency, your consultant will be able to make a recommendation based on what you have in mind.

4. Test drive

A test drive is a crucial step in the car-buying process. It's your chance to get a feel for the car, see if it meets your expectations, and most importantly – to have a little fun!

During the test drive:

Experiment with features: Test the air conditioning, infotainment system, and other features.
Comfort: Take your time to adjust the seats and steering wheel to experience optimum comfort.
Performance: Pay attention to how the car handles, accelerates, and brakes.
Compare: Test more than one vehicle; and try all the variations of each model. This way you’ll be able to decide whether you prefer a luxury version, or an automatic vs. a manual transmission, for example.
Let your hair down: Don’t be shy to try the sound system and all the fun bells and whistles you look forward to using in the car once you own it. This is your chance to play around!

5. Tailor the deal

After the test drive, the consultant will help you tailor a deal based on your preferences and needs.

This may include:

Colour options: While you may have a preferred colour, it's good to have a few alternatives in mind as a specific colour may sometimes have a longer waiting period.
Additional packages: Consider add-ons like service and maintenance plans, extended warranties, and anti-theft measures such as smash and grab for your windows.

6. Financing and documentation

Next, you'll be introduced to the finance and insurance department. Here, you'll go through another needs analysis to determine the best financing options available for you.

Be prepared with the necessary documentation, including:

Valid ID and driver's license
Recent payslips and bank statements
Recent proof of residence

The finance team will present different financing options from various institutions. Choose the one that best fits your budget and financial situation.

7. Finalising the purchase

Once your financing is approved, you'll be invited to sign the contract. Many people prefer to take delivery of their car when they are ready for the obligatory Instagram photo, so remember to dress your best!

During the final handover, the consultant will:

Review the car's features and ensure you are comfortable with everything.
Show you the safety features and practicalities (such as the spare tyre kit).
Help you set up Bluetooth, connect your phone and other connectivity features.
Explain the process for future services and maintenance.

8. Don't rush it

Buying a car is a big decision, so don't rush it. Visit the dealership multiple times if you need to, and don’t hesitate to phone or email your consultant with questions. You can also make use of Renault’s handy chat feature on our website, where you’ll be put in touch with a real person (not a chatbot!).