Buying your first car
Buying your first car is an exciting, sometimes daunting, prospect. There are many things to think about and we have detailed some of them here. The main thing is to do your research and take advice from someone you trust who has experience of buying cars.
Think about what type of car you want – big, small, make, model and what will be practical for your lifestyle and type of daily driving. Don’t impulse buy or be pressured into making a decision before you are ready. Car magazines/websites do articles on cars including road tests of performance, handling, reliability, common faults and any other special issues you should be aware of. Read articles on the type of cars you are considering as it may help you make up your mind and will let you to know what to look out for when viewing a car.
Consider the cost – not just the purchase price of the car, but also insurance, road tax, fuel, mot, repairs and servicing (commonly referred to as running costs, as they require to be bought annually or more frequently). These will vary greatly depending on manufacturer and engine size. Research the average cost to purchase the car you are considering using price guides such as Parkers, Glass’s or Which.
Where to buy from – You can purchase a car from a dealer (franchised and independent), a private seller or at a car auction. All three have advantages and disadvantages with regards to price and legal rights, so take the time to look into them and decide which option is best for you.
Always view a car in daylight. General things to look for are; is the condition of the cars interior and exterior what you would expect for it’s age and mileage; are there any signs of crash damage, re-spray, rust or uneven tyre wear; do all the controls/gadgets work, e.g electric windows/sunroofs, air conditioning, etc.; are there any signs of internal dampness; are there any signs of oil/water leaks or worn hoses in the engine.
Check the paperwork that should be with the car – V5 registration document, mot (if 3 years or older), service history, handbook, tax disk, spare keys, etc. Ensure the details on the paperwork match up with the car, such as names, addresses, colour, registration/vin numbers, etc.
Take the car for a test drive. Did it start well from cold? How does it feel? How does it sound? Does it brake smoothly and straight? Are there any unusual rattles or clunking noises? Do you feel comfortable sitting in the car, driving it and using the controls?
Negotiation of a deal is part of this industry. You may be able to reduce the price slightly or get some extras, if buying from a garage, such as a free/extended warranty or full tank of fuel, etc.
Having purchased your car enjoy safe driving and putting into practice everything you have learned in preparing for your driving test. Remember that owning a car brings with it responsibility – ensure you always have valid insurance, road tax, mot and that you keep the car in good working order.
