The Young Car Buyer’s Checklist: 4 Priorities to Keep in Mind

Purchasing a car is a significant decision for young people. Before taking the plunge and buying a set of wheels, new drivers need time to consider various factors such as cost, passenger capacity, style, and make.

Depending on personal preferences, intended use, and financial capabilities, young adults can make choices that suit their individual needs. Below, Tri Thức – ZNews chats with four young people to understand their diverse priorities when buying a car.

Tung Vu prioritizes passenger capacity to accommodate his family’s needs.

Passenger Capacity
Tung Vu (29 years old, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi)

Last year, I purchased a Toyota Innova 2.0G for 1 billion VND with my parents’ support. The car primarily serves my inter-provincial business trips and also facilitates my parents’ visits to relatives and temples.

Thus, the most important factor in my car-buying decision was passenger capacity. After researching and consulting friends with families, I settled on the 8-seater Toyota Innova 2.0G.

This seating capacity allows my extended family, including my parents, sister, and nephews, to travel comfortably. The rear seats can be adjusted flexibly to maximize luggage space, accommodating our travel bags during long-distance trips.

Despite the relatively high price of this 8-seater model compared to our budget, my parents and I were determined to make the purchase with a long-term usage plan in mind. In the future, when I get married and have a family, I can still accommodate my wife and children without worrying about space constraints.

After almost a year of driving this car, I’m pleased with my choice and have no complaints. The only concern I have is the cost of maintaining the vehicle. Due to my limited experience with long-term car ownership, I’m still working on balancing these expenses.

Phuc Truong has a passion for sporty cars.

Style
Phuc Truong (29 years old, Tay Ho District, Hanoi)

The biggest challenge I faced when deciding to buy a car was balancing my personal preferences with practical considerations. Being a fan of sporty and dynamic cars, I considered options like the Subaru BRZ and Ford Mustang.

However, I ultimately chose the Honda Civic. Firstly, its price was relatively affordable compared to other sports cars. Secondly, it offers a harmonious blend of sporty styling, performance, and high utility. The four-seat configuration doesn’t limit passenger capacity like some other sporty models, making it suitable for carrying friends and family while optimizing functionality.

When driving on highways and engaging Sport mode, I can experience the thrill of speed. After more than a year of ownership, I’m impressed with the car’s quick acceleration and smooth performance, with minimal lag.

At present, I’m content with my choice. However, if my financial situation improves, I’d love to own another car with a more distinct sports car character to fulfill my long-standing passion.

Le Ngoc Long opts for an affordable car to avoid taking out loans.

Price
Ngoc Long (29 years old, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City)

I bought my first car at the end of 2023.

After getting married, my wife and I realized the need for a new mode of transportation to shield us from the sun and rain. With some wedding gift money and our savings, we purchased a Kia Morning, which cost around 450 million VND to get on the road.

For me, the primary concern before buying a car was always the price. We didn’t want to take out a bank loan, and we viewed the car purely as a means to support our daily lives, so we didn’t feel the need for a luxurious or high-end vehicle.

With a budget of 500 million VND, I chose the Kia Morning brand, opting for the automatic transmission version. My wife and I share this car, so an automatic transmission was a priority for us.

Currently, I’m very satisfied with my decision. However, if I could choose again, I would probably research seven-seater options. Our current car has four seats, which might feel cramped if we have children in the future. Perhaps when our finances allow, I’ll consider upgrading to a more spacious vehicle.

Mạnh Cường wants financial stability before committing to buying and maintaining a car.

Purchase and Maintenance Costs
Mạnh Cường (26 years old, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City)

I don’t plan to buy a car this year, but I’ve already envisioned my top priorities when the time comes.

First, I must have stable finances, including funds for the car’s purchase and ongoing monthly maintenance expenses. With my available budget, I’ll then consider factors such as intended use, brand, and make. Finally, I’ll choose the color.

The timing of my purchase will also influence my decision. If I already have a family, I’ll likely opt for spacious SUVs. The SUV market offers a diverse range of options across various price segments, making it easier to choose.

However, if I’m still single when I buy a car and have a comfortable financial situation, I’ll prioritize vehicles with attractive exteriors, such as BMW or MINI Cooper.

The “driving feel” is another criterion that appeals to sports car enthusiasts like me. But, again, it boils down to financial considerations. If I had 2 billion VND to spare and was still single, I’d go for a MINI Cooper without hesitation.