(collaborative post) It can be very exciting when you know you are buying your first car. A car has become essential for many people and there are many reasons that you might need one. Cars give us the freedom to travel as and give us extra security when out and about alone. There are some things to be aware of before you make the purchase. We cover the basics in this post “Tips for Buying A First Car”.
Tips for Buying A First Car
How Often Will You Use the Car?
When the time comes for you to start looking at buying a car, one of the key things to consider is how much you’ll use it. This should influence what you buy and your budget. however often you use the car it needs to be reliable. If you use it often and for long journeys the more comfortable the better. You may also then want it to have a few extra features to make travelling a better experience.
Type of Car to Choose
The car will need to fit around your requirements. Are you single or do you have a family? You’ll probably be selecting from either a hatchback, saloon, estate or SUV. Which fits your lifestyle best? Many families will opt for an SUV or estate. These are going to cost more than a hatchback which is a popular choice for many first-time younger buyers. It’s important to focus on what you need in your car, rather than how the car looks.
Costs
Obviously, you’ll need to have passed your driving test and have a valid driving license and insurance. Having additional funds set aside is important when it comes to car ownership.
Cars can be expensive. You’ll be paying for fuel, the amount of fuel the car consumes depends on the model! If you’re going to be commuting to work, a “gas-guzzling” car is going to cost you an incredible amount of money to drive daily. Although, if you’ve got the cash to splash then why not.
You also need to factor in servicing and maintenance costs. Obviously, the older the car the larger the risk of something going wrong. Do you need breakdown cover? Certain cars lose their value faster than others, this is another thing to consider when choosing your new car.
Car Safety
Newer cars are obviously going to be safer than older cars. The safest cars to be opting for are ones with ABS – Anti-lock Braking Systems, ESC – Electronic Stability Control and AEB – Auto Emergency Braking. Once you choose your car you’ll also need to be able to perform a few simple car safety checks.
Should You Buy a New or Used Car?
For many people, the question of new or used is something that isn’t really an option. There are pros and cons to getting both used and new cars, and the benefits depend on the individual and their budget. The specs will also affect the pricing. Buying used cars ensures that you’re going to save yourself a considerable amount of money. The flip side is that it is pre-owned and that it might have some unknown issues. Despite that, for a first car, used cars are generally recommended. You’ll want something of a low value if you are new to driving as this will also affect the amount you pay on the insurance.
What Tips for Buying A First Car would you give to other readers considering getting a first car for themselves or their child or grandchild?
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It is a hard choice when it comes to buying your first car isn’t it. Lots of things to consider.
It can be very hard. You need to weigh everything up and do what works best for you.
The first car in my opinion is the one that starts everything and for many it can also be the ones that will be held for many years. Therefore excellent tips.
Thanks so much. It is important to get the right car for you. No point getting a lovely one straight away and end up damaging it in the first year or so.
Very informative post for new drivers. I love that you encourage first-time buyers to purchase a used car vs. new, very practical.
Thanks Cierra. It makes sense. They’ll need something to “learn” in as the main learning happens when we first start driving.
These are wonderful tips for purchasing your first car. My husband is the car shopper as he has no shame and literally tells them what he wants when he gets there… how much he can spend a month and seriously… they will make it happen if they want that sale 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
Wow, sounds like he knows what he’s doing!!!
Nice post of money-saving tips for buying a first car!
Thanks Dan. I’m glad you liked the post x
You are correct about the downside of buying a used car. You are usually buying somebody else’s problem.
It does depend on the car. Many used cars are fine. It’s safer to buy from a dealer though if you are worried.
Good tips. When I got my first car, price was pretty much the main factor. I had to get a cheap used one.
There are loads of great used cars available. It all depends on your budget what you’ll be able to get.
Great tips here! Even if it isn’t your first time purchasing these are great reminders!
Thanks Catherine. It’s good to be aware of things to consider.
There is some sound and sensible advice here. A car is now a huge purchase for most, so best to consider all options x
It can often be a big purchase. It’s best o get it right the first time around.
Great tips for someone buying their first car. Everyone should really take their time with this decision!
That’s great advice. Rushing into buying a car can mean you miss something important.
I remember buying my first car, since I was about 18 years old I went for the used car route. Now, my top priority is reliability ; ) These are great tips!
Reliability is important. It all depends on what you can afford.
I am in total agreement with you when I passed my test, I took my parents with me to help me buy a car and we settled for a new-ish car, less than 10,000 miles and it was perfect.
That sounds great. A low mileage used car is less likely to have issues.
Great tips. I’ll definitely keep this in mind when I have to buy a car. It’s been a while since I had one, but I hope to get one soon!
I agree, there are so many things to consider before buying the first car! These are really great tips for the first-time buyers 🙂
Excellent tips. I have told my niece to read this. I have only one tip…….find someone who knows about cars to go with you before you buy.
Oh gosh, this is always a tricky time. I hate dealing with the salespeople. I just hold my ground on a price point and if they won’t budge, I leave. You have some great things to keep in mind here.
Such good tips here, often times a first car is bought spontaneous and without much thought! This is good to read beforehand!
I should have read this years ago before I bought my first car! Regardless if this is your first or last car purchase the advice in this article is quite helpful.
I’m several cars past my first car, but these are great things to keep in mind when looking for that first car.
Buying a new car can be stressful. These tips will be helpful for my next car purchase.
There is always a lot to think about when getting your first car. I know it can be hard to choose which one too. Great tips here.
Car buying is a scary process, never more so when it’s your first time. There’s a lot of good advice in here. Thanks so much for sharing!
I appreciate the advice on factors to consider, such as budgeting, insurance, and maintenance costs. Your article has definitely made the car buying process less overwhelming.
I haven’t bought a car in so long. I leave that job to my husband. I get too stressed out during the process!
Great tips! It’s so important to consider all these tips when buying your car period. My first car I had my dad go with me since he knew so much about cars and what would be a good price for my budget at the time.
My brother is planning to buy his first car, these are all really great and very helpful tips! I’m gonna share this with him
I am thinking of buying my own car. I think I will choose an used one as I won’t use it very often, that’s why I don’t want to spend too much money!
every such purchase and decision is always tough and needs us to weigh so many options/ pros and cons
That’s very true!
I really like the tips you have provided here and I think they are very helpful. thanks for sharing!
I remember buying my first car. I ended up getting my uncles car. It lasted me til I graduated from high school. I liked that it was paid for too.
It does make you feel good when you are able to buy a car for yourself.
I’m planning to buy a new car this year and it will be our first time! Thanks for this tips, this is such a big help!