It is incredibly exciting when you pass your test and look to buy your first car, but it can also be a daunting experience and one which you need to get right. It is a huge amount of money to spend and you will need to find a suitable car for a new driver that will fit in with your life – read on for a few tips on how to find a car that ticks all of the boxes.
Work Out Your Budget
First, you need to work out how much you can afford to spend as you won’t want to fall in love with a car only to find out that it is out of your price range. In addition to the cost of the car, you must also factor in the running costs which will include insurance, road tax, fuel and maintenance.
Choose A Type
Once you know how much you can afford to spend, you will want to find a category of car. It will depend on your own preference and lifestyle, but typically for new motorists you will want something small, basic and not particularly powerful (this will also help to bring the costs down). Hatchbacks are always a good choice and there are many excellent models to choose from.
Ownership Options
Of course, there are a number of different ownership options to consider so you need to familiarize yourself with these and determine what the best option is. Buying outright can be a good option but it is expensive, so, you may want to look in the used car market if going down this path. A good alternative for new drivers is a hire purchase deal which can make the costs easier to manage – this involves paying a deposit and then subsequent monthly payments to pay off the value of the car, after which you will technically own the car.
Get a Good Deal
You will also want to make sure that you get a good deal no matter what type of car and method of ownership you decide on. This will involve carrying out thorough research, shopping around and comparing prices and negotiating with the dealer to get a fair price.
Keep these tips in mind and you should find the perfect first car and a good deal. It is a daunting experience buying your first car, but you need to make sure that you find the right car for your lifestyle and one which will be a good introduction to this exciting new chapter in your life.