What to Look for When Buying Your First Car
A 17th birthday is important for a number of reasons. Not only does it give teenagers the green light to start learning how to drive, but it also creates a subsequent rush for freedom they so desperately seek. As a parent, however, once they have passed their test and they see the world as one open road, the shackles still need to be in place to some extent. Although you may have to contend with their fussiness over colours and coolness, your main priority will be kitting your child out with a safe and secure vehicle. So with that in mind, what should you be looking for when buying your first car?
Safety
The first few months on the road without an instructor or a parent are the most overwhelming, as well as the most nerve wracking. By having a car which is reliable, sturdy and backed up with a good service history, the first few miles will feel a lot more comfortable. Make sure you take a test drive in the car, assessing the gears and how well the car breaks. The purpose of any test drive is to check that the car performs well, and to see if it is comfortable and whether or not it’s for you.
Although you will be eager to get out and about, do not go in with an attitude of ‘any car will do.’ It is good to be picky and to make sure you get the right car for you. There are thousands of websites and private dealers to choose from, so don’t compromise and rush the process.
Cost
One of the most notorious aspects of being a young driver is the cost of insurance and other add-ons. To help ease the strain on your wallet or purse, changing the search settings to low to high is probably the best option. With that being said, you do get what you pay for to some extent; make sure you don’t compromise on quality when finding an affordable car. As mentioned before, the priority is safety, and if a car is cheap yet does not conform to the safety aspects listed above, be sure to walk away from it.
Investing in a car with a relatively low mileage will also help reduce the cost of insurance. You will pay through the roof for cars with an excruciatingly high mileage, or a seemingly new car with a very low milage. It is all about finding that perfect middle ground, which usually lies somewhere between 30-40,000 miles.
Driving
As mentioned before, comfort should also play a part in your decision in buying your first car. For the first year or so, it is a good idea to stick close to the car you were learning in, just so that your first few trips are simple and uncomplicated. If you have been learning in a petrol or diesel car, stick to that fuel group as the transition can be tricky to get to grips with. When taking your first solo steps on the road, you want as few variables as possible.
This handy guide should provide you with the essential pieces of information you need to know when you start to look at buying your first car; just remember, do not compromise on safety and search for the best deal. For more information on any of these points, contact NMT Garages on 01234 355 888 or leave us a message via our online form.
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