This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. All opinions are 100% mine.

Nationwide provided me with information regarding its In The Nation blog post. Find more information from Nationwide on their blog: In The Nation

For most of us buying a car is the second largest purchase that we will make in our lives, the first being a home. There are a number of factors to consider when you buy your first vehicle. Just a few of the factors to consider are your budget, needs, wants, financing, and where to buy. If you’re not prepared, this process can be stressful, time consuming, intimidating, and down right hard to do. However, this does not have to be the case. With the proper research and preparation your buying experience can be fun, exciting, and even pleasant! Check out the tips below to help you prepare to make your first time purchase easy and enjoyable.

Financing – before you hit the road and begin driving potential vehicles, there are a few things that you will need to consider.

• Determine what your budget is. You can do this by utilizing an online payment calculator. It will allow you to determine exactly how much you can afford based on your desired payments.
• Compare available interest rates for new and used vehicles.
• Check for manufacturer rebates and incentives. These can change monthly.
• Apply for pre-approval. Being pre-approved allows you to negotiate the selling price of the vehicle not the monthly payment.

Find – Search for your dream vehicle based on your budget and pre-approval amount.

• First decide what type of vehicle you would like to have: Truck, SUV, Sedan, Coupe, Crossover etc.
• Decide which option works better for you: New purchase, Used Purchase, or a Lease
• Search for vehicles that fit your budget and satisfy your needs. There are many online search tools that will allow you to search by the model, year, mileage and more.

Buy – Now that you have found the right vehicle its time to visit the dealership. Here are a few tips to help you have a pleasant experience at the dealership.

• Call ahead and schedule an appointment with a sales representative. Make sure to tell them which vehicle you are interested in and that you will want to take a test-drive.
• If you are interested in a used vehicle, pay close attention to how the vehicle drives during the test drive. If something feels strange, ask about it.
• Ask to see a dealer inspection report that includes any work the dealer performed on the vehicle prior to listing it for sale
• If the vehicle is certified verify that the vehicle meets the manufacturer’s certification requirements
• Make sure to inspect new vehicles for damage, scratches, dents etc.
• When negotiating make sure that you do not allow yourself to become emotionally attached to a vehicle, be prepared to walk away if you do not feel that you are receiving a fair price.

Buying your first car can be tough, but with the proper preparation it can be a fun and rewarding experience. For more information and to apply for pre-approval visit the Nationwide First-Time Car Buyer Guide: Tools and Resources