Buying your first car can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. In fact, it should be exciting, and that's why Ken Fowler Subaru has been helping Ukiah drivers navigate this important milestone for over 35 years. As a family-owned dealership deeply rooted in the Northern California community, our goal is to make your first car purchase feel personal, positive and pressure-free.
Whether you're looking to lease a new Subaru or buy a reliable pre-owned model, we're here to help every step of the way. Keep reading to get first-time car buyer tips from our helpful guide, curated by our in-house experts, then visit our Subaru dealership in Ukiah to buy your first vehicle with confidence!


Why Buy Your First Car at Ken Fowler Subaru?
We're more than just a dealership -- we're a partner in your journey. At Ken Fowler Subaru, we've built our reputation on trust, convenience and genuine care for the Ukiah community.
We offer exclusive benefits like loaner vehicles, shuttle service and even EV charging stations, all designed to make car ownership easier for you from day one. We'd love to help you find your first car, but we also hope to make the experience so rewarding and memorable that you consider us for future purchases and trusted Subaru service during your ownership.
Top Tips for Buying Your First Car
With the help of the team at Ken Fowler Subaru, here's how you can make your first-time car buying experience in Ukiah more comfortable and transparent:
Tips for First-Time Car Buyers
01Understand Your Budget
Before you fall in love with your dream new or used Subaru, it's important to understand how much you can comfortably afford. Our finance team will help you break down all the costs -- from your down payment and monthly installments to insurance and taxes -- so you know exactly what to expect.
02Explore Your Financing Options
Good credit? No credit? Still building credit? No problem. We work with a wide range of lenders and credit unions to secure flexible financing options for every situation. Whether you're leasing a new Subaru Crosstrek or financing a used Impreza, we'll help you feel confident in your decision.
03Choose the Right Subaru for Your Lifestyle
Subaru vehicles are known for their safety, value, dependability, all-weather capability and so much more. This makes them an excellent choice for first-time buyers in Northern California. Our team can walk you through our extensive new and used inventory and help you compare features to find your perfect match.
A few popular Subaru options for first-time car buyers include:
- Subaru Impreza: A compact car that offers great fuel efficiency and standard all-wheel drive.
- Subaru Crosstrek: Versatile, practical and perfect for weekend adventures around Mendocino County.
- Subaru Forester: A family-friendly SUV with tons of space and safety tech for peace of mind. We also have a great selection of Forester Hybrid models for sale!
- Subaru Solterra: Interested in going electric for your first car? The Subaru Solterra is a smart step into EV ownership.
Buy Your First Car at Ken Fowler Subaru
From first test-drive to final signature, we're here to ensure your first-time car-buying experience is simple and rewarding. With over 35 years of community service and our pledge to "Keepin' You on the Road," Ken Fowler Subaru is here to help you make a confident and informed decision.
Visit our Subaru dealership in Ukiah, contact us online or start browsing our inventory now to take the first step toward your new Subaru adventure. We're proud to support first-time buyers from Ukiah, Cloverdale, Clearlake and beyond, and we can't wait to welcome you to the Fowler family.
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