Buying and owning your very first car is daunting, exciting, and difficult all at once! Whether you’re ready to hit the roads after passing your test or you’ve simply not needed a car until now, it’s important not to rush.
From learning all about budgeting and savvy driving to basic maintenance checks, it’s worth being prepared before you bring your new set of wheels home. Below, we’ve explained five simple steps to help you breeze through the process.
- Setting your budget and paying
Before you start car shopping, it’s crucial to determine your budget. When you start putting one together, consider your monthly income, expenses, and savings. Remember to factor in regular costs like fuel, insurance, maintenance, and potential repairs.
Financing options available to you may include:
- Cash: This is the simplest option but requires a significant initial payment.
- Personal loan: A personal loan can be obtained from a bank or credit union to finance your car purchase.
- Garage financing: Many dealerships offer financing options, often with competitive interest rates.
- Leasing: This can be a more affordable option in the short-term, but it involves monthly payments for the right to use the vehicle.
- Choosing the right car for you
Consider your lifestyle and needs when selecting a car. We have three main priorities when choosing a model:
- Size
If you frequently carry passengers or luggage, a larger vehicle might be suitable. Along with style, size is the most important feature for those who care about aesthetics. Would you prefer a sleek sedan, a practical hatchback or a glamorous yet robust SUV?
- Efficiency
Fuel costs matter if you’ll be commuting every day, so you should think about your typical journey length and the type of roads you’ll be taking. Or if you live near any of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone boundaries, a smaller EV or hybrid car could be a good choice.
- Safety
You should also think about safety features, often listed in the Euro NCAP rating for each mode, plus technological upgrades and comfort features. This information is usually tied in with the vehicle’s overall reliability and maintenance demands.
- Understanding insurance and legal requirements
Car insurance is a legal requirement in the UK. It protects you and others in case of an accident, theft, or vandalism.
There are different levels of cover, including comprehensive, third-party fire and theft, and third-party only, which is the minimum requirement. If you’re caught driving without insurance, you could get 6 penalty points and a fine of £300. As a new driver, that would mean losing your licence immediately.
You should choose the maximum level of cover you can afford. Next, you should always keep your driving licence with you when you’re behind the wheel. You’ll need to be the registered owner and keeper of your vehicle, which is detailed in the vehicle logbook (V5C).
- Maintaining your car
Regular maintenance is essential to keep your car running smoothly and safely, which will give you more peace of mind as you gain experience.
Try to follow the service intervals as recommended by the manufacturer. In the meantime, there are plenty of preventative steps you can take at home. These include checking tyre pressure and tread depth, ensuring that you visit tyre fitters in Reading before your current set becomes too worn.
You can also learn how to monitor levels of engine oil, coolant, and windscreen washer fluid. If you’ve bought a second-hand car, it’s worth keeping an eye on your battery health.
- Sharing sensibly with family
If you plan to share your car with family members, you’ll benefit from lower overall costs. However, the logistics can become complicated and stressful, so it’s worth taking time to discuss the following:
- Driving rules: Establish clear expectations for driving the car.
- Fuel costs: Decide how fuel costs will be shared.
- Maintenance: Determine who is responsible for maintenance and repairs.
- Insurance: Ensure that any additional drivers are added to your insurance policy – so you can build a no claims bonus.
By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and enjoy a safe and enjoyable driving experience.
Photo credit: header, white car, silver car
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