Guide to Financing Your First Car

Guide to Financing Your First Car Annandale NJ

When you start to look for a new set of wheels in earnest, it’s the beginning of a process. There are a few steps required to make your way through it, from finding a new vehicle you like to the more in-depth factors, like down payments. Luckily, you’ve got our team at Clinton Honda on your side, and we put together this guide to financing your first car, so you’re set up from the get-go.

We’re here at the beck and call of drivers near Annandale, Clinton, and Somerville, New Jersey, as well as Easton, Pennsylvania. Let us help you get ready to finance your first ride. Read on for more information.

How to Begin Financing


Guide to Financing Your First Car Annandale NJ

Let’s jump right into it. When you start financing a new car, and in this case, your first, you’ll want to have a good idea of your budget from the beginning. It’s good to instill any comfortable limits, so you can have more flexibility down the line.

So, to start, there are two typical ways to take care of your vehicle’s payment. This is through financing, which takes an auto loan or the dealer, or you could opt to pay fully in cash. To make this decision, your credit will be a factor, so it’s ideal if you know your score. There are specific interest rates that you’ll qualify for with certain credit scores.

Getting Pre-Approved

If you’ve explored the different payment processes, considered your credit score, and decided to finance the vehicle, then you’re going to be looking into loans. You can get preapproved for said loans before you even set foot at the dealership, so that you have options available to you and a good idea of what they’ll look like.

Shopping Used vs New


Guide to Financing Your First Car Annandale NJ

So, in terms of sorting out your financing, you know several factors play different roles. This includes whether the car in question is new or used, and it’s a decision that heavily relies on your preference. New cars can be good investments for many drivers, and used cars can be equally as great, with unique perks of their own.

Each has something that stands out more than the other. For example, when you buy used, you’re more likely to not only save money, but avoid steep depreciation. Likewise, there are a great variety of cool features that come in pre-owned rides, offering some systems that aren’t available in new cars.

Buying new can be very convenient, though, and you’re getting the pristine condition that comes with that new car smell.

New-Buyer Tips for You


Guide to Financing Your First Car Annandale NJ

You’ve read an overview of what to expect, but if you’re looking for a quick summary, we can break it down further. Check out these brief new-buyer tips for you to consider throughout the buying process. They’re here to help you sort out the right course of action, and get you started on a convenient, streamlined path.

Some things to think about:

  • Try using a total car cost calculator to evaluate how much will go toward the vehicle.
  • Check out auto loan calculators to sort out offers and see what best fits.
  • Consider new vs. used cars and the perks of each.
  • Gather approximately three to five cars that you like best, and narrow from there.
  • Examine pricing online prior to the shopping process.

Taking Home Your Ride


Guide to Financing Your First Car Annandale NJ

Alright, so you’ve read through this guide to financing your first car. What comes next? Well, getting started with financing, of course! Our team at Clinton Honda wants to help you take home the car of your dreams, and solidify that first-car preparation. You’ll find us ready and waiting to assist drivers around Annandale, Clinton, and Somerville, NJ, and Easton, PA.

All you have to do is get in touch with us. We’ll walk you through it in person, too, step by step. Contact us today!



Contact Us

Clinton Honda

1511 US Highway 22 East
Annandale, NJ 08801
Driving Directions
New Sales 908-528-8282
Service 908-528-8284
Parts 908-528-8291
Monday 9:00AM - 7:00PM
Tuesday 9:00AM - 7:00PM
Wednesday 9:00AM - 7:00PM
Thursday 9:00AM - 7:00PM
Friday 9:00AM - 7:00PM
Saturday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Sunday Closed
Monday 7:00AM - 5:00PM
Tuesday 7:00AM - 5:00PM
Wednesday 7:00AM - 5:00PM
Thursday 7:00AM - 5:00PM
Friday 7:00AM - 5:00PM
Saturday 7:00AM - 4:00PM
Sunday Closed
Monday 7:00AM - 5:00PM
Tuesday 7:00AM - 5:00PM
Wednesday 7:00AM - 5:00PM
Thursday 7:00AM - 5:00PM
Friday 7:00AM - 5:00PM
Saturday 7:00AM - 4:00PM
Sunday Closed