--- title: How to Save Money When Buying Your First Car description: Buying your first car is an exciting milestone in your financial life. Make sure you do these three things to get the best deal on your new wheels. image: https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-01-22T153702.186.jpg --- [![MoneyWisdom_HFCU_r2](https://go.hfcu.org/hs-fs/hubfs/MoneyWisdom_HFCU_r2.png?width=464&name=MoneyWisdom_HFCU_r2.png "MoneyWisdom_HFCU_r2")](https://go.hfcu.org/blog) Filter by Category** - [Show All](https://go.hfcu.org/blog) - [Security](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/security) - [Personal Finance](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/personal-finance) - [Auto](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/auto) - [Business](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/business) - [Credit Score](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/credit-score) - [Home](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/home) - [Credit Cards](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/credit-cards) - [Life Changes](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/life-changes) - [Insurance](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/insurance) - [Investments](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/investments) Filter by Category** - [Show All](https://go.hfcu.org/blog) - [Security](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/security) - [Personal Finance](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/personal-finance) - [Auto](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/auto) - [Business](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/business) - [Credit Score](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/credit-score) - [Home](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/home) - [Credit Cards](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/credit-cards) - [Life Changes](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/life-changes) - [Insurance](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/insurance) - [Investments](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/investments) ### Posts by Topic - [Personal Finance (262)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/personal-finance) - [Home (164)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/home) - [Life Changes (109)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/life-changes) - [Credit Cards (92)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/credit-cards) - [Security (74)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/security) - [Credit Score (69)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/credit-score) - [Auto (60)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/auto) - [Checking (54)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/checking) - [Business (48)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/business) - [Investments (36)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/investments) - [Mortgage (32)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/mortgage) - [Savings (29)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/savings) - [Scams (29)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/scams) - [Work (28)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/work) - [Debt (25)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/debt) - [Holidays (25)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/holidays) - [Money Management (22)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/money-management) - [Hanscom FCU (21)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/hanscom-fcu) - [Home Ownership (21)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/home-ownership) - [Credit Report (20)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/credit-report) - [Government (20)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/government) - [Home Equity (18)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/home-equity) - [Budget (17)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/budget) - [Mobile Banking (17)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/mobile-banking) - [Investment Property (16)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/investment-property) - [Saving Money (16)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/saving-money) - [Insurance (15)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/insurance) - [Taxes (15)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/taxes) - [Children (13)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/children) - [College (11)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/college) - [Financial Wellness (11)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/financial-wellness) - [Retirement (11)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/retirement) - [Community (10)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/community) - [Online Banking (10)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/online-banking) - [Estate Planning (8)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/estate-planning) - [COVID (7)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/covid) - [Deals (7)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/deals) - [Death (7)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/death) - [Shopping (7)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/shopping) - [Fraud (6)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/fraud) - [Mass Save (6)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/mass-save) - [Teens (6)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/teens) - [Divorce (5)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/divorce) - [Travel (5)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/travel) - [ATM (4)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/atm) - [Baby (4)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/baby) - [Debit Cards (3)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/debit-cards) - [Motorcycles (3)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/motorcycles) - [Weddings (3)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/weddings) - [Boats (2)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/boats) - [Charity (2)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/charity) - [Family Finance (2)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/family-finance) - [Lending (2)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/lending) - [Credit Unions (1)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/credit-unions) - [Green (1)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/green) - [Medical (1)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/medical) - [Pets (1)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/pets) - [dormant account (1)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/dormant-account) - [inactive account (1)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/inactive-account) # How to Save Money When Buying Your First Car ** [Tracy Scott](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/author/tracy-scott) ** Feb 02, 2021 ![young woman holding key for first car](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-01-22T153702.186.jpg) When you're eager to grab the keys to your first set of wheels, the last thing you want to do is put on the brakes to consider finances. The anticipation of finally being free to go where you want, whenever you want is overwhelming. But doing a little prep work before you start shopping can help keep more cash in your bank account. Before you test drive your first vehicle, take the following steps and get in gear to save money. **1. Do your research** Edmunds.com's [True Cost to Own® calculator](https://www.edmunds.com/tco.html) can help you determine the annual cost of ownership for different vehicles. This is important, because you'll need to prepare your budget for more than a loan payment. The calculator uses the year, make, and model to estimate additional costs like fuel, maintenance, and repairs. You'll also want to investigate insurance rates for the vehicles you're most interested in. **2. Boost your credit score** If you'll need to apply for a car loan, a [good credit score](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/a-good-credit-score-will-improve-your-life) typically equals a lower interest rate. [Incorrect information](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/3-tricks-to-boost-your-credit-score) on your credit report lowers your credit score, as do high credit balances. Request a copy of your credit reports from [AnnualCreditReport.com](http://www.annualcreditreport.com). Reduce some of your debt if you can, and review each report for errors. Follow each bureau's dispute policy to remove incorrect information. If you don't have a credit history, but pay rent each month, you can still demonstrate you're a good credit risk. Give your credit score a boost by asking your landlord to report your on-time rent payments to the major credit reporting bureaus. If a potential lender uses [FICO® Score 9](https://www.myfico.com/credit-education/credit-scores/fico-score-versions) to determine your credit-worthiness, your timely rent payments will be considered when making a credit-granting decision. **3. Explore your financing options** Should you buy new or used? Is [leasing a better alternative](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/buy-vs-lease)? The answers to these and other questions will depend on your specific circumstances, but learning about these [options ](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/bid/153946/what-is-better-than-a-lease-check-out-our-car-leasing-alternative)early can help you make the best choice for your wallet. Consider your financial goals before you decide on financing terms. For example, will you still be able to save for a down payment on a home and pay off a $5,000 credit card balance in three years if you sign a seven-year auto loan agreement? When you're ready, head over to [CUDL AutoSmart](https://hfcu.cudlautosmart.com/), a stress-free way to search, shop, and finance your first car from the comfort of your home. Find car dealership reviews and ratings from other car buyers, lock in a low price, and secure an affordable auto loan all in one place.   To determine if buying, leasing, or our Better Than a Lease product is right for you, download [Your Guide to Smart Auto Financing](https://go.hfcu.org/car-eguide?_ga=2.228261144.461945699.1609784856-78354014.1609784856), our free eGuide! It’ll give you all the tools and tips you need to make the best decision about financing your next set of wheels. [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/118438/e100691b-fb76-4ffb-9614-919f79045023.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/118438/e100691b-fb76-4ffb-9614-919f79045023) *Others are reading:* - [Buy vs. Lease Your Next Auto](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/buy-vs-lease) - [Your Car Lease Terms Explained](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/bid/186068/leasing-fees-for-dummies-understanding-your-lease-agreement) - [5 Reasons to Consider GAP Insurance on Your Next Car Loan](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/5-reasons-to-consider-gap-insurance-on-your-next-automobile-loan) - [Refinance Your Auto Loan and Reduce Your Payment](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/refinance-auto-loan) - [How to Rent an Apartment](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/bid/147505/guide-to-renting-an-apartment) ** [Auto](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/auto), [Credit Score](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/credit-score), [Saving Money](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/saving-money) [** Pandemic Relief in 2021 and How It Can Help You ](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/pandemic-relief-in-2021-and-how-it-can-help-you) [** How to Safely Destroy Your Expired Credit Cards ](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/safely-destroy-expired-credit-cards) ### About Author ![Tracy Scott](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Tracy-Scott-headshot.jpg) Tracy Scott Tracy Scott is a freelance writer who specializes in personal finance and higher education. Her reading list always includes a seemingly odd mix of financial literacy articles and sweet romance novels. Tracy holds a BA in Psychology from UT Austin and has a background in higher education regulatory compliance. Related Posts [![What's the Best Credit Score for a Mortgage?](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/couple%20on%20couch.png) What's the Best Credit Score for a Mortgage? ](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/whats-the-best-credit-score-for-a-mortgage) [![5 Surprising Ways You Overshare Your Personal Information](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Protect%20Your%20Privacy%205%20Surprising%20Ways%20You%20Overshare%20Your%20Personal%20Information.png) 5 Surprising Ways You Overshare Your Personal Information ](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/protect-your-privacy-5-surprising-ways-you-overshare-your-personal-information) [![6 Reasons Store Credit Cards Can Cost You Money](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/6%20Reasons%20Store%20Credit%20Cards%20Can%20Cost%20You%20Money.png) 6 Reasons Store Credit Cards Can Cost You Money ](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/6-reasons-store-credit-cards-can-cost-you-money) ** - [**](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://go.hfcu.org/blog/how-to-save-money-when-buying-your-first-car/) - [**](https://X.com/share?url=https://go.hfcu.org/blog/how-to-save-money-when-buying-your-first-car/) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://go.hfcu.org/blog/how-to-save-money-when-buying-your-first-car/&summary=&source=CeBIT) ## You are Leaving Hanscom Federal Credit Union #### **Please read the following before proceeding to:** The website you are about to visit is solely the responsibility of the merchant or other party providing the site. The content of this third-party site, including materials and information, is solely the responsibility of the provider of the site. The Credit Union is not responsible for any such third-party content. Any transactions that you enter into with a vendor, merchant or other party that you access through this third-party site are solely between you and that vendor, merchant or other party. The Credit Union does not endorse the content contained in this third-party site, nor the organization publishing the site, and hereby disclaims any responsibility for such content. The Credit Union Privacy Policy does not apply to this third-party site, and for further information you should consult the privacy disclosures of the third-party site. ### Comment ### Subscribe To Blog ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### contact **Hanscom Federal Credit Union** 1610 Eglin St. Hanscom AFB, MA 01731 Call us: [800-656-4328](tel:8006564328) [https://www.hfcu.org/](https://www.hfcu.org/) ### About Us [The MoneyWisdom Blog](https://www.hfcu.org/the-moneywisdom-blog.html) ### Social ** ## You are Leaving Hanscom Federal Credit Union #### **Please read the following before proceeding to:** ### https://www.facebook.com/HanscomFederalCreditUnion The website you are about to visit is solely the responsibility of the merchant or other party providing the site. The content of this third-party site, including materials and information, is solely the responsibility of the provider of the site. The Credit Union is not responsible for any such third-party content. Any transactions that you enter into with a vendor, merchant or other party that you access through this third-party site are solely between you and that vendor, merchant or other party. The Credit Union does not endorse the content contained in this third-party site, nor the organization publishing the site, and hereby disclaims any responsibility for such content. The Credit Union Privacy Policy does not apply to this third-party site, and for further information you should consult the privacy disclosures of the third-party site. ## You are Leaving Hanscom Federal Credit Union #### **Please read the following before proceeding to:** ### https://X.com/HanscomFCU The website you are about to visit is solely the responsibility of the merchant or other party providing the site. The content of this third-party site, including materials and information, is solely the responsibility of the provider of the site. The Credit Union is not responsible for any such third-party content. Any transactions that you enter into with a vendor, merchant or other party that you access through this third-party site are solely between you and that vendor, merchant or other party. The Credit Union does not endorse the content contained in this third-party site, nor the organization publishing the site, and hereby disclaims any responsibility for such content. The Credit Union Privacy Policy does not apply to this third-party site, and for further information you should consult the privacy disclosures of the third-party site. ## You are Leaving Hanscom Federal Credit Union #### **Please read the following before proceeding to:** ### https://www.instagram.com/hanscomfcu/ The website you are about to visit is solely the responsibility of the merchant or other party providing the site. The content of this third-party site, including materials and information, is solely the responsibility of the provider of the site. The Credit Union is not responsible for any such third-party content. Any transactions that you enter into with a vendor, merchant or other party that you access through this third-party site are solely between you and that vendor, merchant or other party. The Credit Union does not endorse the content contained in this third-party site, nor the organization publishing the site, and hereby disclaims any responsibility for such content. The Credit Union Privacy Policy does not apply to this third-party site, and for further information you should consult the privacy disclosures of the third-party site. ## You are Leaving Hanscom Federal Credit Union #### **Please read the following before proceeding to:** ### https://www.linkedin.com/company/hanscomfcu/ The website you are about to visit is solely the responsibility of the merchant or other party providing the site. The content of this third-party site, including materials and information, is solely the responsibility of the provider of the site. The Credit Union is not responsible for any such third-party content. Any transactions that you enter into with a vendor, merchant or other party that you access through this third-party site are solely between you and that vendor, merchant or other party. The Credit Union does not endorse the content contained in this third-party site, nor the organization publishing the site, and hereby disclaims any responsibility for such content. The Credit Union Privacy Policy does not apply to this third-party site, and for further information you should consult the privacy disclosures of the third-party site. ## You are Leaving Hanscom Federal Credit Union #### **Please read the following before proceeding to:** ### http://www.youtube.com/c/HanscomFederalCreditUnion The website you are about to visit is solely the responsibility of the merchant or other party providing the site. The content of this third-party site, including materials and information, is solely the responsibility of the provider of the site. The Credit Union is not responsible for any such third-party content. Any transactions that you enter into with a vendor, merchant or other party that you access through this third-party site are solely between you and that vendor, merchant or other party. The Credit Union does not endorse the content contained in this third-party site, nor the organization publishing the site, and hereby disclaims any responsibility for such content. The Credit Union Privacy Policy does not apply to this third-party site, and for further information you should consult the privacy disclosures of the third-party site. ### Popular Posts [What You Need to Know About Putting Your Home in a Trust](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-putting-your-home-in-a-trust) ![older man looking at top retirement worry on digital device](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20-%202022-02-10T072804.753.jpg) [What You Need to Know About Your Federal Tax Bracket](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-your-tax-bracket) ![older man looking at top retirement worry on digital device](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-03-22T123305.900.jpg) [6 Boat Types to Get on the Water](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/6-boat-types-to-get-on-the-water) ![older man looking at top retirement worry on digital device](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/images/Jet_Ski.jpg) [23 Organizations Dedicated to the Needs of Seniors](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/23-organizations-dedicated-to-the-needs-of-seniors) ![older man looking at top retirement worry on digital device](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Senior%20citizens.jpg) [9 Smart Moves for Lottery Winners](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/lottery) ![older man looking at top retirement worry on digital device](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/images/lottery_winner.jpg) ### Recent Posts - [![National Credit Union Administration](https://go.hfcu.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NCUA-logo-small.png?width=95&name=NCUA-logo-small.png) ](https://www.ncua.gov/) [![Equal Housing Lender](https://go.hfcu.org/hs-fs/hubfs/EHL-logo-small.png?width=65&name=EHL-logo-small.png)](https://www.hud.gov/fairhousing) - @ 2023 [Hanscom Federal Credit Union](https://www.hfcu.org/) - Federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. - [Privacy Policy](https://www.hfcu.org/content/docs/Privacy_Notice.pdf) **Disclosure:** Hanscom Federal Credit Union does not provide and is not responsible for any products, services, or overall website content available at any third-party sites linked within this blog. Moreover, Hanscom Federal Credit Union's privacy policies do not apply to any of the linked websites within this blog. Please consult the privacy disclosures on those linked sites for further information. ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Tracy Scott" }, "dateModified" : "September 22, 2021, 9:33:33 PM", "datePublished" : "2021-02-02 14:30:00", "description" : "Buying your first car is an exciting milestone in your financial life. Make sure you do these three things to get the best deal on your new wheels.", "headline" : "How to Save Money When Buying Your First Car", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://f.hubspotusercontent30.net/hubfs/118438/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-01-22T153702.186.jpg" }, "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://go.hfcu.org/blog/how-to-save-money-when-buying-your-first-car", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/118438/Logo%202.jpg" }, "name" : "Hanscom Federal Credit Union" } } ```