Buying your first car can be stressful and challenging, especially if you’re unsure about the type of car you need or where to find a reliable option. If you’re a first-time buyer, we’ve put this short guide together to help you find the perfect car for your needs, whether it’s for short work commutes or longer road trips.
Understanding your needs
The first thing you need to do is consider what you need your car for. This could be a weekly shop, driving to work, taking road trips, or even pursuing certain hobbies. Knowing what you’ll need to use your car for before you buy one can help you focus your search and ensure you find the most suitable option.
You might also want to think about how much storage space you’ll need. If you frequently pack light, you’ll likely prefer a more compact car. On the other hand, larger people carriers and SUVs are a must if you’re transporting multiple people or belongings at once.
Setting a realistic budget
It can be easy to think that once you’ve bought the car, that’s the end of your expenses. Unfortunately, you’ll have several new costs to consider, such as road tax, insurance, and maintenance costs.
The car you choose will impact how much you’ll need to pay in each of these areas. For example, an older car might have lower insurance, but the maintenance will likely be higher. Alternatively, a brand new car will have much higher insurance costs, but should require minimal maintenance. We recommend you research your intended cars and get a good understanding of their ongoing costs to work out long-term affordability.
Buying used instead of new
While buying a brand-new car is a great feeling, there are several reasons why it isn’t the best option. For instance, while used cars tend to hold their value well, brand new cars depreciate almost immediately, losing about one-third of their value in the first few years.
The used-car market also offers a much wider selection, making it more likely that you’ll find your perfect first-time car.
Where to shop
Of course, it can be difficult knowing where to buy a car from. While there are many reputable used car dealerships, it’s best to do your research. We recommend checking the dealership’s reviews, as this can suggest how fairly they price their cars.
If you have a trusted mechanic, you might also want to bring them along to ensure the car is in optimal condition.
