30 January 2015
5 Mins read

Tips on buying your first car

So you have passed your test and are looking for a new set of wheels to get around.

Buying and owning a car is an expensive business, but for new drivers it can seem particularly costly.

Therefore, it is vital to take time to make sure you select the right car by doing some research and opting for a reliable dealer.

Remember what car you go for has a knock on effect on day-to-day costs. As well as the purchase price, make sure you budget for car insurance, car tax, maintenance and MOT test, as well as fuel.

However, there are plenty of ways to purchase your first car in a way that could help limit these additional costs.

One of the biggest expenses for recently qualified drivers is insurance. Obviously, you have not had the time to build up any no-claims discounts so you have to make savings in a different way.

It is advisable to choose a car that has top safety and security ratings as these will attract cheaper car insurance premiums. Do not be tempted to make any modifications to your vehicle, as additional features can push up the cost of cover.

Small engine models also attract more competitive rates, so the faster, more sportier models will have to wait until you have a few more years' experience between the wheel.

One other way to reduce insurance costs is to consider where you are planning to keep your vehicle. Parking on a driveway or a private garage makes theft less of a possibility and this can be reflected in lower insurance costs.

Fuel is also a high running cost for new drivers, but this can be reduced by opting for a car that offers attractive fuel consumption. Of course, it is also worth opting a few eco-driving tips to limit pump bills.

Lots of people opt for the same car that they have learned to drive in, because they become used to the steering and visibility, so it may be worth considering that route, especially as driving instructors usually opt for good reliable vehicles.

There are plenty of compact models on the market that could be ideal for first car owners.

The Skoda Citigo, Volkswagen up! and SEAT Mii are all in the lowest insurance groups and offer favourable fuel consumption of around 70 mpg. With engine options of 1.0 litre, there is also the opportunity to be exempt from road tax.