First Time Buyer’s Guide to Hondas

Buying your first new car is the experience of a lifetime; for some there’s a mix of excitement and terror. You’re a new graduate, perhaps, or you’ve landed that first ‘real’ job, and you figure it’s time to upgrade the ride.

It can be an easy and pleasurable experience if you do your research and plan your tasks methodically and intelligently, trying to leave emotional considerations out of the equation.

For many, the logical choice for the first brand new car is to look at the Honda line – a brand that offers virtually something for every type of car buyer. Honda’s full line of vehicles includes compacts, sedans, coupes, crossovers, SUVs, mini-vans, pickups, as well as a full range of alternative fuel cars like hybrids and all electric models.  Depending on your stage in life, whether it’s “just you”, or you’re starting a family, or perhaps you’ll be using your vehicle for work related activities, you’ll be able to choose a car that precisely fits your needs and budget.

One of the first things to note is that the car will have to suit your lifestyle for about the next five years, so begin by making a list of your anticipated needs, as opposed to just your ‘wants.’  Merge this list with a financial analysis by pricing Honda models, deciding what is in your range of a needed down payment and monthly payments that you can afford. Do not forget to include the cost of insurance in your monthly budget! You’ll also want to choose a dealer that can provide the best Honda service after the sale.

At this same juncture, you can decide whether to buy or lease; Honda and your dealer will offer different incentives and rates for financing a purchase or entering into a lease. If you prefer, you can handle this aspect with your own bank. The key is to shop around and be informed.

If you’re looking for basic transportation, Honda’s Fit or base Civic models may well fit the bill. Upgrading to the Civic Coupe can provide you with a sportier, higher performance option.  Honda Insight and Accord hybrids can provide you with the most efficient cost of operation, and if a lot of mileage is in your future, a hybrid may well pay for itself just from the fuel savings you’ll incur over the life of owning or leasing your car. The ultimate in mileage will come from the all-electric Accord plug-in, which offers an astonishing equivalent of 105 mpg estimate, while still giving you the room that a four door five-seater has to offer.

In Southern California, you have the benefit of shopping for your new Honda at the USA’s number one volume dealer, Norm Reeves Honda Superstore in the Cerritos Auto Square. You can start your relationship with Norm Reeves by researching new Hondas online from the comfort of your home or office, and searching through the available inventory on the lot in real time. You can also research the differences between purchasing and leasing. Honda service is also available seven days a week at Norm Reeves.

Ready for a test drive? Schedule it online, or stop by Norm Reeves Honda Superstore. Open every day, (Monday through Saturday until 10 PM and Sunday until 9 PM), Norm Reeves Honda Superstore is easy to get to from anywhere in SoCal, and is just off the 605 in Cerritos. Get turn by turn driving directions from your location to the dealer on the website.