Buying your first car doesn’t have to be stressful! But it can be daunting when you’ve just passed your test and have very little knowledge about cars. In this guide, we’ll discuss the best ways to ensure you’re getting a good deal and a car that’s right for your situation. Let us help you take the stress out of buying your first car.
1. Pass Your Driving Test
We understand many learner drivers want to have a car ready and waiting for them as soon as they pass their driving test. However, this can put too much pressure on you and your new car could be sitting idle for a while. If you fail your driving test, it can sometimes be weeks or months before you can get another test booked. So, concentrate on passing your driving test first before you even start to think about car buying!
2. Set A Budget
Once you’ve passed your test, it’s time to start thinking about buying your first car. One of the first places you should start is with your budget. Your budget can be key to the cars you can buy and what you can realistically afford. If you’re buying with cash or finance, your budget is very important. A car finance budget could be a monthly payment and/or a deposit contribution. Ensure your monthly payments are affordable and your current situation isn’t going to change any time soon. Defaulting on your car loan could see the car being repossessed. If you’re buying with cash, the process can be easier though. Whatever money you have in your savings can determine which cars you can afford.
3. Get Insurance Quotes
Car insurance costs for first time drivers are some of the highest around. Due to lack of driving experience, first time drivers are more likely to have a road accident in their first year of driving, hence the higher rate of insurance. The car you buy can also affect your car insurance rates so it can be a good idea to get a few car insurance quotes on cars you’re interested in first. Lower specification used cars with small engines tend to be cheaper to insure.
4. Explore Different Makes & Models
One of our top tips for buying your first car is to have an open mind. Striving for your dream car may not be the best idea just yet. For your first car, you should choose a cheap and reliable runabout. As we’ve mentioned above, you’re more likely to have a road accident in the first year of driving so buying a brand–new, highly expensive car may not cost-effective. Have an open mind about different makes and models you’re interested in and explore a range of cars in your budget. Finding a car that’s cheap, reliable, and suits your needs is the key to efficient car buying.
5. Shop Around For Car Finance
Buying a car outright can be hard, especially if you’re young and have very little savings. If you’re looking to finance car, there can be options for a whole range of makes and models, From Audi cars on finance to VW finance, car finance can allow you to spread the cost of your first car int affordable monthly payments. Higher interest rates can make your finance deal more expensive so make sure you’re shopping around for the best car finance deal with the lowest rate of interest. Also, don’t apply for car finance at the dealership. Dealers are usually limited to the lenders they have on their panel, and they may not have competitive deals or a one that’s right for your situation. There are plenty of online car finance brokers you can use to help find you the cheapest deal.
6. Find A Trusted Dealer
When you’re buying a car with cash, you have the freedom to get your car from a private seller or a dealership. However, if you’re not so clued up on car buying, private sellers can be risky. So, to give you more protection, should anything go wrong, we recommend buying from a trusted dealership instead. Check out dealer reviews online to get an idea of other customers experience. Selecting a 5* rated dealer can help you to get a great deal on a good, reliable car.
7. Take A Test Drive
If you’ve just passed your driving test, the thought of a test can be daunting. However, it is highly recommended. You need to be sure the car suits your needs and you’re happy with how it drives. If you’re worried, ask the salesperson to accompany you or take a friendly or family member along with you. It’s also worth noting some dealerships may have their own rules around test driving cars and may have an age restriction in place. If you’re interested in test driving a car at a local dealership, it can be worth ringing ahead and checking if you would be eligible for a test drive.
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