If you’ve just passed your driving test, then you’re probably really excited to go out and buy your own car. So many opportunities open up once you have a car, from being able to get takeout at 3 am, to new job opportunities as you can travel further to fun road trips, it’s a great thing to buy. If you’re excited then you probably want to go out straight away and buy the first car that you like the look of, but you shouldn’t do this. Cars are expensive and once you purchase one it’ll likely be a while before you get a new one, so you don’t want to rush this decision. If you’re a first-time car owner then there will likely be lots of information that is new to you from how a vehicle VIN number check works to the cost of insurance, so to help you out we’ve found some great advice on how to decide on a car that is right for you.

Set a Budget

The very first thing you have to do when you’re getting ready to buy your first car is to set a budget that you can afford so you don’t spend too much on your car and regret it later. You’ll also need to remember that it’s not just the car that you’re paying for there are plenty of other costs associated with buying your first car. Insurance is the most expensive cost associated with buying a car, the price of your insurance is based on many factors like how long you have been driving and the type of car you have. If you’re a first-time car owner, then it’s likely your insurance will be quite expensive, so you’ll have to factor this in when buying a car. Another significant cost you need to be aware of is the cost of fuel which you can estimate by figuring out how many miles you’ll drive on an average week and what the price per liter is in your area. You should also be aware that you’ll have to pay road tax unless you’re planning on purchasing an electric car and you’ll need to spend hundreds a year on an MOT test to make sure that your car is still suitable for the roads. In addition to this you need to also budget for general maintenance, if any repairs are required after an MOT, you’ll need to be able to pay for them or for any other trouble your car runs into.

Take Someone With You

Now that you’ve figured out your budget, you’ll be able to take the next steps in finding your perfect car. If your budget is low, then you might want to consider if you’d be better off buying a car second-hand rather than brand new. There are plenty of great deals out there for second-hand cars that are still in fantastic condition. Wherever you end up going to buy your car, if you’re a first-time car owner then you should take a friend or a family member who has more experience with car sales with you to make sure you get a great price. You and the person you’re bringing with you should also do some research into the car that you’re thinking of purchasing and be aware of how much other places in your local area are selling it for, having this information will prevent you from getting ripped off and if you know your facts then you’re more likely to get a good deal.

Check the Car

The last thing that you want to happen after purchasing your new car is having it break down or running into any issues with it. If this happens then you’ll have a nightmare of a time getting everything sorted, especially when all you’ll want to be is driving. The most important things to check for before you drive off with your new car are the tires to make sure that they’re not worn down, the engine and if it sounds healthy, the mileage to figure out how much longer the car is most likely to last and just the overall condition of it so that you can ensure your own safety when driving. When buying a car, you should always take it for a test drive first, this will allow you to see how the car feels when you’re driving and if you’re buying a car second-hand then it’s a great way to make sure that the car works.

Seal the Deal

Once you have done all the above, if the car is still right for you then it’s time to sign that contract. Remember, don’t be afraid to haggle, the salespeople will be expecting it and you could make some great savings.