Everyone wants to have their own set of Hot Wheels. Cars have been a fascination for a long time. Even as children, we were mesmerized by the beauty of cars. It is absolutely true that automobiles are the latest American passion.
When you live in a state known for its car culture, you just end up loving cars. And so it is with Californians. Who wouldn’t want to drive across the famous Golden Gate Bridge?
Now for all the California teens who want to feel the thrill of driving a car. There will be several questions in your mind. It is better to solve them before buying your first car because doubts stop satisfaction.
Am I legally allowed to drive a car? What are the requirements to obtain a driver’s license?
You can drive once you are 15 years old. You will need to apply for the California Instruction Permit. This license is a “provisional” driver’s license and you will need to follow some additional rules until you get a driver’s license.
>> It is essential that you follow all traffic regulations and drive without collisions.
>> It is mandatory to drive in the presence of a parent/guardian/spouse/adult over the age of 25 with a valid driver’s license
If you follow the regulations, you meet the basic requirement to take a driving test in California.
To take your driving test you must:
>> Be at least 16 years old and have had your permit for a minimum of 6 months
>> Have completed driver education and 6 hours of professional training for drivers
>> Have completed 50 certified hours of practice with an adult 25 years of age or older with a valid California driver’s license. It is mandatory that at least 10 of the 50 hours have been done at night.
>> Have minimal insurance coverage.
If you do not pass the test, your new test can be scheduled only after two weeks. You will be charged a retest fee for the second and third attempts. If you do not pass the test in three attempts, you will have to reapply.
How should I choose a car?
Well, the California Lemon Law will help you with all new and used cars (if covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty). So, go ahead and explore your car options. Only with thorough research will you be able to buy a perfect first car.
The need for a car
I understand that we are all passionate about cars and having the best set of wheels gives us great satisfaction. But you need to let the left side of your brain take over for a while. Think about why exactly you need a car.
If you need to cover long distances every day, then it is important that you choose a car that gives you good mileage.
If you live in the mountainous area of Sierra Nevada, you can opt for an SUV or any other car with a robust construction. It will help you cover the hilly slopes. You can opt for a stylish convertible if you live near Ocean Beach in San Diego.
If you’re not going to be carrying passengers in your car, then a two-seater would also be suitable. So, it all depends on you.
affordability
Buying a car is not like buying movie tickets. Believe in saving for rainy days and don’t spend every penny just on the price of the car. You will also have to spend on the title, registration and insurance as well. Also, consider the cost of future maintenance and thus make a wise decision.
A new or used car?
The latest designs, better mileage and advanced technology make us want the latest models. There are several new models that cost less with multiple promotional incentives and discounts.
But remember that cars lose their value faster. So if you’re going to spend that much on a new car, you don’t want its value to depreciate quickly and put you at a disadvantage.
As a teenager, cost is always an important factor, so you can also opt for used cars. Obviously, they will be priced lower than new cars. Request a Vehicle History Report and make sure the vehicle is not a salvage or Lemon.
The problem with an old car is identifying its exact value. Clearly you don’t want to pay more than the car is worth. The Kelly Blue Book value of the car will help you here.
It is important that you take someone with you. A TRUSTED mechanic is the best person in this case. Take a test drive and ask all the questions you want.
What paperwork is involved when buying a car?
Your job doesn’t end with choosing the perfect vehicle; you still have to go through the paperwork. It’s less demanding if you let the dealer do it. But this does not mean that you can skip it. Before you sign the dotted line, you need to understand everything.
The most important is the bill of sale. It is the document that acknowledges the sale. It will include all the contract information, vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, car year, model, selling price, and other details.
The state also requires Californian cars to have a smog certificate. Only a few are considered an exception. You will have to pay an $8 fee to get it from the DMV.
It is the seller’s duty to report the change of ownership to the California DMV within 5 days of the date of sale. Only after that will DMV review the NOTICE OF TRANSFER AND LIABILITY records. On the other hand, you are also responsible for informing the DMV within 10 days of the transaction.
Can I get a car loan?
Buying a car is expensive, so financing a car is inevitable. When you’re a teenager, availing a car loan becomes a bit complicated. So, here are some tips to help you get a loan.
Steady income
Since you don’t have any credit history, trusting you would be a bit difficult for lenders. Therefore, it is important that you assure lenders of regular payments. This can be done with a steady job and income.
Large down payment
If you can pay 10-20% of the price of the car, it will be easier to get loans. A higher down payment amount can prevent the possibility of negative equity. So, even if the value of your car goes down, you will have a lower amount and the chances of a reverse loan will be lower.
Find a co-signer for your auto loan
Although you must be at least 18 years old to sign contracts in California, a minor still has certain rights. He can sign contracts for certain goods and services that are necessary for survival. In some situations, a car is also considered a necessity. Therefore, you can sign the contract under such circumstances.
Likewise, if a contract is signed by two parties and one of them turns out to be a minor, the contract is voidable at the option of the minor. Therefore, to avoid any unnecessary risk, the lender will require a co-signer with a good credit history.
Under California law, a co-signer is someone who assumes responsibility for the car loan, but does not take possession of it. And, therefore, the co-signer does not need to co-own your car. Ownership of your car depends on the names added to the Car Title.
If you pay your loan on time, then your co-signer will have no further liability or right.
Knowledge is power!
Buying a car is easy when you know the exact process. You will have the power to negotiate only when you know it well.
All the best for buying your FIRST car!
