Top Tips for Choosing Your First Car
Buying that very first car is a memorable juncture in everybody's life - a worthy cause for celebration. However, this critical milestone is often fraught with decision overload, budgeting worries and complicated mechanical jargon that can overwhelm first-time buyers and veterans alike.
To help make this process a touch more straightforward, here are some tips to keep in mind so that you can purchase your first car with confidence.
How Much To Spend
One of the most vital pieces of financial advice you can be given when buying a car at any point in your life is to set a budget and stick to it to the best of your ability. Your first car needs to be, above all else, reliable. Insurance companies estimate that drivers aged 17-24 can be expected to pay £4000-6000 for their first car. Therefore, it is worth spending that little bit more for peace of mind.
You will have the option of buying outright or using finance. The ability to pay monthly makes the prospect of a new car seem more attainable, but be sure you will have the monthly funds to cover it.
Petrol, Diesel or Electric?
Petrol is the preferred fuel for a low mileage lifestyle - short commutes, supermarket trips, school runs, etc. It will also cost you a little less at the pumps than diesel. Diesels provide more power at lower engine revs, making them more economical for frequent long journeys.
Electric cars, though more expensive to purchase, are by far the most ecological option. Keep in mind that a home-charging point will be necessary.
Checking Your Car
If you're buying new, anything that goes wrong is, by law, protected under warranty. If you, however, opt to purchase second-hand, there are several things worth checking before driving away. A reputable dealer will put a car through a rigorous inspection before selling - even still, check:
- The car's history - use the DVLA's free information checker
- V5c
- Leaks
- Oil level
- Tyre condition - tread depth and rubber condition
- Mileage that is consistent with the age of the car
- Service records and MOT history, if available
- Rust
- Fault lights on the dashboard
- Functioning headlights and indicators
Taking your potential car on a test drive will allow you to test the functioning of the breaks, clutch and gearbox, as well as general handling and smoothness.
Safety
Generally speaking, the newer the car, the more safety features it will have. Some of these features include:
- Antilock Brakes (ABS)
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Dual-front airbags
- ISOFIX child-seat anchor points
New or Used?
As well as warranty coverage and the absence of any dubious history, buying a new car gives you complete control over the model you want. Buying second-hand diminishes choice considerably. However, if you are less stringent about the exacts of your first car, buying a used vehicle may be the way forward. Buying privately can be risky, whereas by purchasing from a trustworthy dealer, you are more likely to get a reliable product. You can even broaden your options by searching for approved used cars online.
Tax and Insurance
Before you begin using your new car, you will need to insure it, and then tax it. Due to limited road experience, insurance tends to be more expensive for new drivers, so it is worth shopping around and using insurance comparison websites to ensure you are getting the best deal possible. There are ways in which you can bring the cost of your insurance down, such as adding a more experienced named driver to your policy. You could also consider installing a black box (or telematics device), which calculates your premium based on the nature of your driving.
After your vehicle is insured, head to the UK government services website to tax it. Tax is imperative to road work and maintenance, so by law, every registered vehicle kept on public roads must be taxed. You can register your car as SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) if it is being unused and kept on private property. This may be useful if you haven't yet passed your driving test.