Passing your driving test is a big moment in life, but it is just one step to driving regularly. Once you have your drivers’ licence, you will be keen to own your first car. We’ve seen many people reach this stage in life, and we are happy to share a guide on buying your first car.
We know you have questions about buying your first car, but we have answers, and this guide will help you:
- We will help you set a budget, allowing you to get the best car you can without harming yourself financially
- We let you know what you should check when buying your first car, helping you to feel more confident in your final decision
- We can help you decide whether it is better to buy a used car for your first vehicle, allowing you to achieve more for your money
Setting your budget when buying your first car
It is vital you consider your finances and set a budget for what you can afford. What is financially viable for you might not be suitable for someone else. Therefore, look at your finances, calculate your income and outgoings, and then make an informed decision on what you can afford up front, and what you can afford to pay each month.
Don’t forget that the cost of owning and maintaining a car is different from buying a car. You also need to consider:
- Car insurance, which is traditionally expensive for new motorists
- Road tax if your car isn’t exempt
- Maintenance of your car (and if your car is older than three years old, its MOT)
- Fuel to keep your car on the road
Even if you have saved up a lot of money allowing you more leeway with the one-off purchase, you might find the ongoing costs of running a vehicle to be expensive, so budget carefully.
Should you buy a used car for your first car?
You might dream of owning a new car and being the first person to drive it, but can you afford to do so? If buying a used car is more affordable and allows you to enjoy your time driving, it is often a more sensible option.
There are many ways to buy used cars, and there are great dealers and vendors while there are some questionable outlets. Always research your options as best as you can, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Buying a car, even a used car, is a significant investment, and you should take it seriously.
What to check when buying your first car?
Ideally, you will take someone with experience in buying cars along with you when you purchase a vehicle. However, it is also helpful to know the key points to consider:
Tyres
Inspect the tread and see what condition they are in, if they are worn or slightly worn, you might need to replace them quickly. The legal minimum tread for cars is 1.6mm, and anything less than 3mm will likely need replaced in the near future.
Dents and scratches
Check the bodywork for any damage, and it is always best to view the car in a well-lit area. Small dents or scratches can be repaired easily, so don’t overly worry about them, but significant damage can be costly, and might hint at larger problems.
Panel gaps
If there are gaps between panels, it might indicate that there has been significant repair work carried out on the vehicle. Also, closely check the colour of different panels, if the colours are different, it could be a sign of damage and replacement work.
Fluid levels
Review the fluid levels, such as the oil, brake fluid and power steering fluid. If these are all low, it is perhaps an indicator that the car hasn’t been well maintained.
If you need guidance on how to pass your driving test so you can focus on buying your first car, contact us today, and we will start you on the road to driving with confidence.
At Pass2Success, we offer expert instruction with personalized lesson plans focused on road safety, ensuring you’re fully prepared to pass your test and drive confidently. For all driving lessons prices or to book online visit our website www.pass2success.co.uk