First-Time Car Buyer’s Guide: How to Buy Your First Car in Denver

Updated November 5, 2026  |  Emich Chevrolet, 2033 S Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood, CO 80227  |  Sales (303) 416-5725

Buying your first car is a big step, and most of the stress comes from not knowing what happens next. This guide walks through the whole process the way it works at a Denver-area dealership: setting a budget, checking your credit, getting financing lined up, choosing new or used, and knowing exactly what to bring on delivery day.

Holding the keys to a new car

The short version

Decide what you can spend per month including insurance and fuel, check your credit for free at AnnualCreditReport.com, get prequalified online before you visit, and compare the total cost of the car, not just the payment. At Emich, the only dealer fee is the $799 dealer handling fee, and we don’t add dealer add-ons.

Step-by-step: buying your first car

1
Set a real budget
Start with the monthly amount you’re comfortable with, then subtract insurance, fuel, parking and maintenance. Many financial planners suggest keeping your total car costs to a modest share of your take-home pay. Get an insurance quote early; for new drivers it can be a large part of the monthly cost.
2
Check your credit
You can get free credit reports from all three bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com, the federally authorized source. Check for errors before a lender sees them. If you have little or no credit history, that’s normal for first-time buyers; see our guide to buying with bad or no credit.
3
Get prequalified
Prequalifying gives you an estimated rate and amount before you shop; it isn’t a final approval. GM Financial’s online prequalification has no credit impact, and you can also apply for financing with Emich. Bring any preapproval from your bank or credit union so you can compare.
4
Choose new, certified or used
New cars come with full factory warranties, and Chevrolet often has special APR offers for well-qualified buyers. Certified pre-owned Chevys cost less and add an inspection and extended coverage. Our certified pre-owned guide explains the difference.
5
Test drive like you’ll own it
Drive the routes you actually take: a highway merge on 6th Avenue, a hill, a tight parking lot. Check how easy it is to see out, connect your phone and fit your gear.
6
Value your trade (if you have one)
Get a free estimate on our trade-in page. The final value is set after an in-person appraisal.
7
Review the numbers
Ask for the full out-the-door price: vehicle price, the $799 dealer handling fee, taxes, title and registration. Optional products such as extended service contracts or GAP coverage are your choice. Ask what each costs and decide without pressure.
8
Sign and take delivery
Read the contract, confirm the rate, term and payment match what you agreed to, and have your salesperson walk you through the car’s features before you drive home.

What to bring on delivery day

  • A valid driver’s license
  • Proof of insurance for the new car (call your insurer before you come in)
  • Proof of income, such as recent pay stubs, if you’re financing
  • Proof of residence, such as a utility bill or lease, if your lender asks for it
  • Your down payment, plus your trade-in’s title or loan payoff information if you have a trade

Terms you’ll hear

Term What it means
APR The yearly cost of your loan, including interest. Lower is better.
Term How many months you’ll make payments. Longer terms lower the payment but usually cost more in total interest.
Down payment Cash you pay up front. More down means a smaller loan and lower payments.
MSRP The manufacturer’s suggested retail price, before discounts, offers, fees and taxes.
Out-the-door price The total you’ll pay, including the vehicle, fees, taxes, title and registration.
Lease A long-term rental with a set mileage limit and a lower monthly payment; you return or buy the car at the end.

Good first cars at Emich Chevrolet

Frequently Asked Questions

What credit score do I need to buy my first car?

There’s no single cutoff. Lenders look at your score, credit history, income and down payment. Many first-time buyers have thin credit files, and some lenders offer programs for first-time buyers. GM Financial’s online prequalification shows you where you stand without affecting your credit.

How much should I put down on my first car?

Any down payment lowers your loan and your monthly payment. A larger down payment can also help with approval if your credit history is short.

Should I lease or buy my first car?

Leasing gives you a lower payment and a newer car, but you have a mileage limit and don’t build equity. Buying costs more per month but the car is yours when it’s paid off. If you drive a lot, buying is usually the better fit.

What fees will I pay at Emich Chevrolet?

Emich charges one dealer fee, the $799 dealer handling fee, and no dealer add-ons. You’ll also pay sales tax, title and registration.

Can I get prequalified without hurting my credit?

Yes. GM Financial’s online prequalification has no credit impact.

Ready to get started?

Apply online, or call us at (303) 416-5725 and a member of our team will walk you through it.

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This guide is general information, not financial or legal advice. Approval, rates and terms depend on your credit and the lender. Trade-in values are estimates until confirmed by an in-person appraisal.