With this program, even if you have no previous vehicle financing experience, we can give you the opportunity to drive a new Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle!

First-Time Buyer Tips

 Consider the following items when purchasing your first vehicle.

Step 1: Determine your needs and wants

Buying a vehicle is a significant commitment. So, while it's important that a car or truck meets all your functional needs, you also want it to satisfy your emotional desires. Why not make a list of the things you’re looking for in your new vehicle? Make sure to consider your needs and wants!

Think about the following:

• Seating and cargo capacity. (How many people - or how much stuff - can comfortably fit in your new vehicle?)
• Safety. (What safety features are a "must have?”)
• Ease and cost of ownership. (How much will your new vehicle cost you - i.e., how much fuel will the vehicle consume? How much is insurance?)
• Performance. (Do you need/want an upgraded engine or drivetrain? Do you tow anything?)
• Comfort and convenience. (Do you need air conditioning, an upgraded stereo or power doors/windows?)
• Are you a performance-oriented driver, looking for speed and handling?
• Do your passenger and cargo needs dictate an SUV or a minivan?
• Are you after luxury features, reputation or the image of a high-end vehicle?

Step 2: Decide on a budget

Once you've decided what you're looking for in a car or truck, it's time to take a look at your finances to see how you can make this relationship happen.

Try to calculate what your monthly payments might be (you may be surprised at the vehicle you'll be able to afford). Besides thinking about the running costs of the vehicle - such as insurance and fuel consumption - make sure to figure in regularly scheduled maintenance.

Use our Payment Estimator to determine how much car, truck or SUV you can afford to buy or lease based on your income.

Step 3: Do your research

Now that you have an idea of what you're looking for, and how much you can afford, it’s time to have a look at which vehicles suit both your functional and financial needs.

Consider the following:

• Check out the full vehicle lineup - don't limit yourself to one kind of body style just yet; an SUV may meet the same needs as a wagon or minivan.
• Build and price a car, truck or SUV to your specifications. Use our Payment Estimator to see if it fits into your budget. If you want to learn more about credit, then visit our Understanding Credit section. You might just learn something you didn't know about credit and identity theft!
• Check out the detailed specifications for each model.
• Locate a dealer and schedule a Test drive, or request a quote online from your preferred dealer.
• Finally, make sure to lease or finance your vehicle with Ford Credit!

Want to learn more about credit? Then, visit our Understanding Credit and Identity Theft section.

PLEASE SEE YOUR FORD, LINCOLN, OR MERCURY DEALER FOR COMPLETE DETAILS