Picking up your first car is among the most exciting steps you take on your journey as a motorist.
But it’s one that’s fraught with potential difficulty, as there’s plenty of opportunity for mistakes to crop up – after all, motorists at this stage don’t actually know what they need from a car.
Let’s run through a few effective pieces of advice for avoiding the pitfalls you might encounter at this stage.
Buy from a dealership
Security should be a significant concern. If you buy directly from another motorist, then you run the risk of falling victim to fraud.
You won’t have any recourse if your purchase turns out to be less than you expected.
Buying from an approved used dealership will allow you to enjoy the lower prices which most new motorists are looking for, while still benefitting from a centralised location which can be held accountable for any errors, and which won’t attempt to defraud you.
That’s not to say that dealerships are there to give you the best possible deal – you’ll still need to push them and negotiate.
But you’ll have a much safer experience if you shop from an established, reputable dealership.
Consider a Lease
Leasing provides a great option for first-time drivers.
It’ll allow you to get acquainted with a range of different vehicles before you commit to one in particular.
It also has the advantage of giving you a new car to play with.
There are plenty of leasing options to consider, so pick out the one that fits your needs.
Check the Mileage
A car’s mileage is usually a fairly reliable measure of the wear-and-tear it’s had to endure over the years.
Of course, it’s not perfect – after all, ten-thousand miles driven on open motorway by a competent driver is different to the same distance driven through winding B-roads by an incompetent one.
When you’re considering the mileage, make sure to account for the age of the car – if it works out at more than 10,000 miles per year, then it’s a good sign that you should steer clear.
Petrol, Diesel, or Electric?
Electric cars are sure to eventually replace their petrol and diesel counterparts – but you’ll have a trickier time finding reliable electric options on the second-hand market.
If you’re taking shorter journeys, then a petrol car will usually serve you nicely – especially if you don’t have the money to invest in charging facilities at home.
A good option is the new Vauxhall Corsa, a petrol option which also has its electric version.
Check the Paperwork
If you’re buying second-hand, then you should make sure that you’re not buying a debt along with the car.
Make sure that you check the financial paperwork.
On a related note, you should also request a copy of the vehicle’s service history, and make sure that it’s got a clear MOT certificate.