I have only ever had one car

It is not even really mine

It is David’s which I drive

I have never had the excitement of choosing myself a car

I have the ultimate family wagon

Our safe and solid VW Touran

But one day

Long into the future

When I return to work

I am looking forward to choosing my very own

Very first car

I am hoping these tips will apply

Choosing which car you buy is an important decision for everyone, especially a new driver. You’ll probably be eager to take straight to the roads to put the lessons of your practical lessons and theory revision to good use. However, there are a lot of things to consider when buying a new car, not just whether or not it looks good. You also have to consider your budget. Just how much can new drivers afford after paying for lessons and a test? Maintenance and insurance costs are also important factors to weigh up. Here’s some other issues to consider…

Comfort
It’s important that you consider how comfortable you are in the car. You should take it out for a test drive and see how it feels and responds; it’s vital that everything is to your liking. Something small and safe could be ideal and a lot of fun to drive. Sometimes bigger is not better, and new drivers especially shouldn’t shy away from trying out compact cars that suit their level of experience. You might want to find something similar to the car you learnt to drive in.

Brand New vs. Used
Your budget is a huge factor when buying your first car. And while used cars are cheaper, it’s also important to purchase a quality vehicle. You might be spending less up front, but you’ll end up paying more for maintenance in the long run if it’s a poor car. Brand new cars might involve a larger initial expense, but you’ll be sure that everything is in top condition. Many come with extended warranties and will not need an MOT test straight away. Set yourself a figure and look at what you can realistically afford. Don’t get something cheap for the sake of it but don’t set your heart on something that would put too much of a strain on your finances either.

Necessity
Nowadays, different cars offer different features. This is another thing you have to factor in when making your decision. You’re a young driver who just got your licence. What kind of car do you need? Surely you don’t need to buy a family car? Some expensive add-ons and gadgets that are available in modern cars are unnecessary for your first car – don’t find yourself paying for a function that is not needed.

Safety
The car’s safety features are important. This is especially worth checking if you’ve decided to get a used car. Check the air bags, seat belts and all other features are of a good standard.

Fuel Intake
As a young driver with a tight budget, it’s important to note how much you will be spending on your fuel. We’re sure buying a gas-guzzler is tempting, however, they’ll eat into your already-stretched budget and probably aren’t the best idea for a first car. You should get something efficient that does plenty of miles to the gallon. You could even do the environment a favor and get a hybrid or eco car. Some vehicles only cost about £20 a year to tax – it’s well worth looking at that in advance too.

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