Advice for choosing your first car

Choosing your first car is an exciting time. Your new sense of independence and freedom is getting closer and soon you will be able to hit the road and go wherever you want to go at whatever time you want to! Choosing the right first car is an important decision; you will most likely want something more affordable in case you damage it, but you also need to be safe. If you do get into an accident then you might need to search for a ‘car accident lawyer near me’.

Whether you have a full-time job, or you are still studying, here is some advice for choosing your first car.

Consider your budget

Firstly, you need to figure out what your budget is for your first car. You probably don’t want to spend too much, but you need to be realistic and cars are expensive.

When thinking about how much you can spend remember to factor in costs outside of the actual car itself. Insurance, tax, petrol and servicing your car should all be considered when setting your costs. Work out your monthly budget for these things. Some cars may be more expensive to run than others.

New or old

With a budget in mind, you need to decide if you want a brand-new car or a second-hand car. Cars lose their value quickly so secondhand cars are much cheaper. However, you may be able to get finance for a new car. The good thing about having a new car is that it is unlikely that anything will wrong with it so it shouldn’t cost you much to upkeep. That being said, as a new driver you are more likely to damage your car.

Do your research

When looking at cars, do your research. It has never been easier to google the make and model of a car and read up on reviews and see how much things like insurance will cost. You will also be able to find out the car’s worth, so you can be sure that you are getting a good deal.

Go to a trustworthy source

When getting a second-hand car you need to go to a trustworthy source. A recommendation from friends or family is the best thing or check to see if a dealer has reviews online.

If you don’t know much about cars then you should bring someone who does with you when weighing up your options.

Also, take the time to go for a test drive. For information about what to look for when taking a test drive click here.

Enjoy the process but be patient

It can seem stressful picking your first car, however, give yourself plenty of time and be patient. The right thing will come along eventually. Try and enjoy the process. Once you have your car, get out in it as soon as you can to make sure you are confident in it. Even if you have passed your test already it is a good idea to bring an experienced driver with you when driving in a new car for the first time.