Just passed your driving test? Congratulations, this is a huge life accomplishment and it is an amazing feeling to get so much independence and freedom in your life.
Once you have passed your test you will want to look into purchasing the right vehicle for your needs. This can be challenging particularly as you will be inexperienced but here are a few tips.
New vs Used
The first decision should be whether to buy new or used. There are some benefits to buying a first car new but usually it is a smarter choice to opt for a used car. This is because it is cheaper, your money goes further and you do not have to worry about depreciation. You must be careful in the used car market, however, and do your research and only purchase from reliable used car dealerships. You may also want to take out an extended warranty if the original manufacturer warranty has expired.
Vehicle Type
You may have dreams about buying a flash sports car but this is not practical or financially a smart idea for a first car. A new motorist should always look into a small, less powerful car because these will be cheaper to buy, run and insure. Hatchbacks are ideal and you can find ones which can comfortably carry multiple passengers and have a surprising amount of interior space. There are also a handful of cars which are particularly well-suited to new drivers so it is worth considering any of these.
Insurance
Leading on from this, it is important that you do not forget about insurance when shopping for your first car as this is a major cost, particularly for new drivers. Vehicle type is one of the factors that influences the cost but there are also a few effective ways to reduce your premium to consider.
Just Add Fuel Deals
One excellent way to get behind the wheel of a new car is a Just Add Fuel deal which are rising in popularity. These are package deals where you make a monthly payment over three years which covers the vehicle, servicing, tax, insurance, warranty and breakdown cover. As the name implies, this means that you simply have tocover the cost of fuel which can make much easier to manage your finances.
Passing your test is an incredible feeling and you will want to take the time to find the right vehicle which will allow you to get your driving career off to a great start. Hopefully the information in this post will help you to find the right car for your needs and allow you to enjoy your newfound independence.
