Are you looking to buy your first car? It’s an incredibly exciting time, but also a daunting one.
Deciding what kind of car you want is just a small part of the car-buying experience. You may have questions about whether to buy outright or loan and about car insurance and road tax.
Read on for a guide on how answers to these questions for first time car buyers don’t have to be complicated. Soon, with these car buying tips, you’ll be on the road with your own car and new-found freedom!
- Know Your Budget
It’s easy to let your heart lead the way when you see a car you love, but if you don’t set yourself a realistic car budget you could end up either overspending or disappointed that you aren’t able to afford a car you like.
It’s best to know in advance how much you can spend so that you don’t get your hopes up.
From there you can look into cars that fit your budget – you’ll be surprised at some great deals you can get!
- Consider Your Options
While getting a new car is incredibly exciting, you still need to think logically even once you’ve set a budget. Have a look online for recommended cars for first time buyers.
Have a think about what you actually need the car for. If you have or are hoping to have children, consider how many car seats can fit in it.
If it’s just for yourself, have a look at city cars as these are an excellent and affordable option.
- Establish How You’re Going to Pay For the Car
It’s important to know whether you’re going to pay the full amount off or opt for a finance solution. There are a number of ways to finance a car:
- Hire Purchase – an arrangement where you pay the full amount of the car off over a set period of time
- PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) – you pay for a portion of the value of the car, with a balancing payment at the end of the term.
- Lease – basically a long term rental of a car – you simply hand it back at the end of the term.
If you’re not sure what is best for you, check out a step by step guide aid to help you decide.
- Do Your Research
It’s never been easier to get a great consensus on how good a car is, thanks to the internet.
There are countless impartial review sites that will give you comprehensive information on everything from comfort and practicality to economy and performance.
- Take a Test Drive
If there is an option to do so, make sure you test drive the car. Even though there are great deals and great reviews, you may find that you simply don’t like the way a certain car drives.
If you’re buying a used car, it’s also a good way to make sure everything is working as advertised.
First Time Car Buyers Rest Assured
There are always great deals available, and with good research and the right finance arrangement, first time car buyers can get a great deal and a car that they love.
For more information and advice on finance, check out the finance section of the website.
