How to Buy Your Very First Car

So you’ve finally done it – you’ve passed your driving test and it’s time to think about buying a car. This can be a daunting experience when you do it for the first time, but a little forward planning and knowledge in the right areas will go a long way towards making sure the whole process goes as smoothly as possible.

Firstly you need to think about the type of car you can afford to buy. We’d all like to get that brand new top-of-the-range model but in reality as a first time driver you will be restricted on what insurance companies will insure you to drive in those early days. It’s also worth thinking about what you will need your car for. Is it for shopping trips once a week? Going to and from work every day? Are you going to be travelling long distances in it or simply driving around locally?

Once you have a good idea of what you need the car for you will find it much easier to spot the exact car you want. The next question is whether you are going to splash out on a brand new car or whether you are going to start off with a second hand one. Most people go for the second hand car route as it’s a much cheaper way to get on the road for the first time.

Before you buy a car, check to see how much road tax you will pay on that particular make and model. Larger-sized engines mean different amounts of road tax, and if money is tight you will find it much easier to get started with the smallest amount of tax to pay instead of something rather more expensive.

Also, think about how you are going to finance the car as well. Do you have savings or will you need to borrow the money? If the latter is the case you will need to factor in the interest rate you will be charged as a result.

When you buy your car it should have a valid MOT on it, but make sure you know how long it still has to run before you need to put it in again. This will incur a charge, as well as paying for any repairs that are needed, so it’s worth having some savings in hand to cover any unexpected costs later on.

While this may all seem very complex and involved, you will soon get used to the responsibility of owning a car and making sure it is in roadworthy condition. You should also get a car insurance quote before you make your purchase so that you know how much money you will need to set aside for this purpose.

Once you are in the driving seat and on the road all this planning will be worthwhile. All you need to do then is enjoy the journey!

Disclaimer: Matthew Pressman writes for a wide variety of commercial clients. This article is intended for information purposes only and readers should seek additional information before taking any actions based on its content.