Tips for Shopping for Your First Car

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Buying your first car? This is an incredibly exciting moment in your life and one that you will never forget, but it is also a daunting experience to go through and a major decision, both financially and in terms of your lifestyle. This post will tell you all that you need to know to find the perfect first car.

How Expensive Will it be to Run?

One of the most confusing parts of buying a car is trying to work out how much it is going to cost to keep on the road. In addition to the cost of the vehicle itself, you will have road tax, insurance, fuel and maintenance costs to cover and these can be hard to calculate. You can get a rough idea by looking at the car’s MPG, car tax and adding around £150 for a full service. There are also calculators that you can use online to get a rough idea.

Finding Your First Car

Searching for a first car can be daunting as there are so many options to choose from. Generally, it is best to opt for a used car as they are cheaper, you will get more for your money, and you avoid the biggest depreciation hit. You can browse used cars for sale online and then go with a more experienced driver to check over the vehicle and take it for a test drive.

Create a Budget

It is also a good idea to set a budget for what you can afford to spend on a car before you start looking. Keep in mind that car finance deals can be used to spread the cost of a vehicle, but you will need to factor in the running costs to ensure that you can afford everything comfortably.

Don’t Commit to the First Car

You should also avoid going for the very first car that you see – the used car market is massive and it is a good idea to look around to compare your options. Crucially, make sure that you are buying from a trustworthy seller, as there are many scams and unreliable sellers out there. Generally, it is best to buy from a used car dealership as you can benefit from consumer protection, vehicles that will have already been tested and finance deals.

Hopefully, the information in this post will make it easier to find your first car and help you to enjoy this exciting moment in your life.