Helpful Guides - Buying your First Car

As a first-time car buyer, you're in for an exciting experience, but the process can be intimidating as well. Never underestimate the power of thorough research. If you're well-informed, you'll be more likely to make the best choice and secure the best deal. Before you even step into a dealership, arm yourself with as much information as possible.

Need help deciding on a vehicle? Visit our Showroom to see the entire Ford lineup. Once you've narrowed down your decision, Build & Price lets you choose the vehicle, select the options you want and get a quote. For a quick reference list of starting price ranges, visit Ford's Prices page. Destination is included in our pricing, but figures exclude taxes, title and registration fees. Want to know how the Ford vehicle you're interested in ranks against the competition? Click on Compare and find out.

Once you've done your homework and are ready for a test drive, make an appointment with your local dealer. If you're shopping for a truck or SUV, Ford's Test Drive program makes it easy to set up an appointment with the Ford dealership of your choice. (This program will soon be available for cars as well). They'll even supply the driving directions! If possible, test drive a model that is already equipped with all the features you want. That way, you'll get an accurate feel for what driving the vehicle is really like.

If you're planning to buy right away, you should contact your insurance agent to get a rate quote and let them know you'll be taking out a new policy, which they can do once they have the vehicle's VIN number. You'll also need to make financing arrangements. Your dealer will be more than happy to discuss the many financing alternatives available through Ford Credit. Before financing a new vehicle, a lender will perform a credit check. Usually, they will need to see your last two pay stubs for proof of income.

Your Ford experience doesn't end once you leave the dealership. Ford vehicles all come with excellent limited warranties. Your Ford dealer can explain the finer points of these warranties, along with additional service plans, when you go in for your test drive. Plus, once you become a Ford owner, you'll be entitled to another invaluable perk - the Ford owner website. When you sign up with My Ford - it's quick, easy and free to do so - you'll receive personalized vehicle information, including maintenance scheduling, a service expense log, recall notices, owner-exclusive offers and incentives and other important Ford news.