Back to School: A Car Shopping Guide for Quesnel Students

Whether you’re heading back to school for your final semester or just getting started on your college journey, Quesnel Toyota is excited to welcome the students of the University of Northern BC, College of New Caledonia, and all the other institutions in our community for the fall! And with your hands full getting all your academic responsibilities in order, we know how the added stress of searching for your first vehicle can be a daunting experience. Thankfully, the team at Quesnel Toyota is here to help! We’ve put together a comprehensive car-buying guide for students and first-time buyers looking to get the most out of their vehicle purchases and stay in line with their budget in the process.

What’s Your Budget?

Before you get started on your car-buying journey, it’s important to set a realistic budget. While it might be tempting to start browsing our inventory of quality vehicles, it’s a good idea to begin assessing your finances and, if you plan on financing, how much you can comfortably spend on your monthly payments. It’s recommended that your monthly car payments do not exceed 10% to 15% of your monthly income. Also, be sure to factor in the ongoing costs of owning a vehicle, such as gas, maintenance, and insurance.

Consider Your Credit

Speaking of financing, your credit score will play a big role in what kind of terms and rates you might get on your car loan, especially as a first-time buyer. There are many resources online, such as TransUnion and Equifax, where you can obtain a free credit report so you have an idea of where you stand. In addition, at Quesnel Toyota, our team of helpful financial specialists can help you find a flexible financing solution, even if your credit is limited as a young driver.

Find the Right Fit

Now that you’ve got the finance portion out of the way get ready for the fun part! Think of finding a new car like dating. It’s important to figure out exactly what you're looking for and what your needs are in a vehicle before you start looking. Are you looking for an efficient hybrid vehicle for your long commutes to campus? Maybe you need something with standard AWD or off-roading features to handle the tricky terrain in your neighbourhood. How about some top-of-the-line safety features to appease Mom and Dad? Whatever your needs, make a list of the non-negotiables. From there, you can add on some nice-to-haves, such as a moonroof, premium sound system, and more!

Consider Insurance Costs

Young drivers, individuals with limited driving experience, and recent immigrants all fall within the broad category of first-time drivers in Canada. Regardless of your specific situation, it's crucial to secure the appropriate car insurance policy to ensure you're always protected while operating a vehicle. We suggest only investing in the insurance coverage that aligns with your requirements. While Canadian law mandates certain coverage types like liability and comprehensive insurance, consider eliminating coverage such as collision insurance if your vehicle has a low resale value. Additionally, you can explore the option of bundling your car insurance with your existing coverage. For instance, if you already possess renter's insurance, merging it with your auto insurance could potentially get you a better deal. 

Get Flexible Financing & Affordable Vehicles at Quesnel Toyota

Ready to get behind the wheel of your first vehicle? Every year, Quesnel Toyota helps countless young drivers land their first vehicles with ease. Browse our inventory of new and used Toyota vehicles today, and give us a call to learn more! Our team will be happy to walk you through the entire vehicle buying process to ensure your first experience is as seamless as possible!