If I could go back in time and do my driving lessons and tests all over again… I would absolutely not look forward to it! What an anxious time it is for today’s youth, with the pressures of the theory test and the practical, which seem to have gone a little tougher as years have gone by.
However, it is all incredibly worth it the moment you pass, and you can then plan on getting yourself on the roads! Owning your first car and getting to grips with everything car-related is such a grown up feeling, learning about everything from car servicing and insurance, to road trips and car models.
There is no better feeling than having that PASS in your hands, and knowing that quite literally, the road ahead is yours. So when I was asked to share my experiences for the ATS Euromaster I Wish I Knew Campaign, I was more than happy to share my advice on buying your first car. I remember the feeling so well. Now I won’t lie, it took me a few times to pass (test conditions are not ideal for me, it’s like I totally freeze up!) but from the moment I did, I didn’t look back. The tests and lessons are a distant memory.
The only thing you then focus on is picking a car, and being a confident, skilled driver with the freedom to travel where you like.
Buying your first car sounds glamourous and an exciting first step, but there are a lot of mistakes that can be made during this process. Buying your first car requires you to put on your realistic thinking cap. After all, the actual car you want may be out of your reach, so with that in mind, it’s time to get realistic with your both your thoughts and budget, and look at what is achievable for you.
I was very very lucky, and I had the help of my parents when it came to owning my first car. It was a lovely Clio, and now I have a daughter of my own, I’d like to be able to do the same for her one day when she is old enough and passes her test. I know that budgets and financing can be tough for people, however, I do feel from experience that the best tip is to get on the roads as soon as you physically can after passing your test.
The longer you leave it, the more chance of fear creeping in or feeling less confident on the roads, and especially in a car that you may not have drove in your lessons.
Remember that even if the bank of mum and dad are assisting you when it comes to buying your first car, cars are costly, and first time drivers insurance can be sky high! So banish any dreams of a flashy new car, and think along the route of a safe and reliable car, that will help you gain valuable experience on the roads, before you start thinking along the sporty or ‘big flash car’ route. My first car was a Clio, but in time, I have built up to an Audi A1 which was my very favourite, followed by a Fiat 500 X compact SUV.
Step 1: Work out budgets
Don’t get distracted with fancy car extras, as these add up the costs. You need to assess the essentials when buying your first car and work out the budget with these in mind.
The first is road tax, which you can either pay every 6 months or every 12 months. Then of course there is the MOT test. Any car older than three years has to have an annual MOT test, which checks and maintains the cars roadworthiness.
Then there is car servicing, which is one of the most important factors to consider. If you are buying a used car, which is more often than none the ‘norm’ when it comes to buying your first car, make sure you check the cars service history. It’s really important a car has been serviced because it covers a full inspection of the car, along with oil and filters changes, break checks, safety system checks, engine diagnostics and essential top ups.
When shopping for a used cars in lansing, make it a must-have to check the service history of a car you’re interested in, and question it if you can’t see a service history.. When you do choose your car of choice, make sure you are having services regularly too, as they are vital for the health of your vehicle, especially if you are doing lots of miles.
Car insurance is another important cost to factor in. This can be really expensive, more so if you’re under 25 years old. Lastly, Fuel and the general maintenance is worth looking into. It depends on the miles you’ll be doing and how often, but regularly driving is not cheap!
Step 2: Where do you buy and what do you buy?
Now you have planned through the finances, it’s all about where do you buy from, and which car do you go for? As a first time car owner, don’t be afraid to ask for advice and recommendations from family and friends. People have their own experiences with car retailers etc, and first hand advice is always helpful. Have a look online at used cars and do your research first, before whittling it down to a couple of key places to visit.
Try not to overwhelm yourself by having a full day of car shopping experiences. Ideally find 3 places to visit and book in a day to visit them.
By this point, you will possibly have a good idea of what cars your attracted to. Remember that smaller engine sizes can work out much cheaper to run, which could suit your budget better. Overall, petrol cars tend to be cheaper than diesel cars to run, too. A lot of people are now leaning towards automatic or electric cars, but again, these are pricier and you’ll be parting with a lot more money for your first car if you go down this route.
Step 3: Check, check and triple check!
When shopping used honda in sacramento, make it a must-have to check the service history of a car you’re interested in, and question it if you can’t see a service history. When you do find the car that you feel is ideal for you, it’s worth being over cautious with the checking process. Bring someone with you who has experience buying cars over the years, as this will be your first time and it isn’t uncommon to miss things. Check the car over thoroughly before buying! It’s just as much your responsibility to make sure that it’s roadworthy.
Then, do the full checks on tyres, oil, engine, mileage and any extras the car has. You want to make sure the condition is the best it can be before driving it away. And of course, it goes without saying, but as safe as possible too. and the overall condition to make sure it’s safe. Test drive the car twice if you need to – the car retailer should be happy to accommodate if you want to be extra sure.
Buying your first car is a happy and exciting time, but it does come with a lot of serious thinking and you must be prepared to reduce any mistakes in the decision process as possible. Hopefully, reading this advice article will give you a deeper understanding, and all the insight to take with you for choosing your very first car!
This post is a collaboration with ATS Euromaster, but all thoughts and experiences are my own.
Leave a Reply