If you are a new driver who has very recently passed their driving test, well done. You are about to enter a world that will give you lots more independence. If you are about to buy your first ever car, you will now need to go into the whole thing with your eyes wide open and make sure and do your research.
You will probably be itching to get behind the wheel of your very own car, and you may have been waiting and saving for a long time already. You are not far from being a car owner now, you just need to make sure you get it right so that you do not end up disappointed and out of pocket.
New Vs. Used
A major dilemma that faces many first time buyers is whether or not they should buy a new car. Or, maybe it is better to buy a used car? The things that you really need to consider here are how much the insurance costs of the vehicles will be, how you will pay for them, and what happens if you crash and write off a new vehicle before you have finished paying off any finance agreements. Generally, the safest bet for a new driver is to go with a used car. They are cheaper on the whole and are also more forgiving while you hone your driving style.
Insurance Costs
Before you part with any of your hard-earned cash, be sure and check out car insurance quotes on anything that you are considering buying. There can be a vast difference in quotes from vehicle-to-vehicle and as a first-time driver, you will most likely pay more for your insurance than a more experienced driver. The age, size, model, security features, and your home address will all play a part in determining the price, so find out which cars are going to be cost-effective for you to insure.
Ask For The History
When you have found a car that you may be interested in buying, ask to see the history of the vehicle. If there is not a full-service history, test certificates, and a log-book, then there may be problems with this vehicle that you won’t want to find out about after you own it. You can run your own background check on a vehicle too, that way you can find out if it has ever been stolen or written off in the past.
Take It For A Test Drive
You need to get behind the wheel of the car and see how it drives. It may have problems that will only become apparent after a bit of a drive. If you know anyone who is a mechanic, get them to help you here as they will spot problems easily. You need to look at how the car handles on the road. Are there problems with the suspension, gears, or braking systems? How does the steering feel? Try doing some maneuvers that require you to turn the wheel into a full lock position to test this fully.
