Maggie Evans 
Buying your first car is always an exciting experience, whether you’ve recently passed your driving test or have had your license for a while and are finally ready to get out on the roads in your first car. However, there are several important things to consider before you choose the right car for you. Along with picking the right car, you will need to think about the ongoing cost of car insurance, car maintenance, and making finance payments if you decide to pay for your car monthly rather than upfront. The process of buying your first car can sometimes get overwhelming with so many choices out there. So, what are some key things to consider?
Your Requirements
When you buy your first car, the first thing to think about is what you require in a vehicle. Determine how you are going to use the car and figure out which makes and models are going to be the best fit. Something compact with good fuel consumption like the Toyota Aygo, or a Ford Fiesta might be an ideal choice for you if you are going to be driving through the city to work every day, while you might need something sturdier if you live in the country and will often be encountering different types of terrain.
Research Cars
Once you have a shortlist of some cars that might be suitable for you based on what you need and what you like, it’s a good idea to spend some time researching different models and narrowing down your options. Consider a few things while you do this including your budget since as you probably already know, the price of buying a car can vary dramatically. Along with looking at any driver convenience specs that you might be interested in having, consider factors like safety ratings, performance, and fuel economy. One good way to do this is to visit car websites where you can find reviews of different cars written by people who have owned them.
Know Your Budget
Since cars can vary a lot in price, understanding how much you want to spend is important to narrow down your options. Whether you’ve been saving up to buy a car outright or planning to pay for it through monthly finance, it’s crucial to account for the additional costs of ownership. Don’t forget that you’ll also need to factor in expenses such as car insurance, tax to the DVLA based on the car you choose, and annual MOTs and regular maintenance. Additionally, number plates are a small yet essential aspect of car ownership that often gets overlooked but can involve extra costs, especially if you’re opting for custom or personalized ones.
Once you have all of the above information, it’s time to get out there, visit some car dealers, and take some cars for test drives. If you can, it’s a good idea to have a second set of eyes with you as a more experienced driver might be able to spot problems that you miss.
