If you are about to embark on the exciting mission of buying your first car, you need to ensure you follow tried-and-tested advice to find one that is reliable and suits your requirements. So, check out the following guide.
DETERMINE YOUR BUDGET
The first thing you need to do is set a budget. Know how much you can afford and stick to it. But do not just set aside a budget for the car itself. The amount also needs to cover the cost of insurance, tax, and routine running and maintenance costs. Your budget will often determine whether you buy a new or second-hand car. Also, consider using a loan secured against the vehicle you purchase. That means you do not actually own the vehicle until you have paid off the final instalment. Some dealers offer 0% interest on instalment payments for specific car models.
It may be better for you to take a loan & consolidate other debts at a higher interest rate at the same time or just for the car by itself. You can apply for these online. Read more here.
If individualism is important to you, set aside a separate small budget for making aesthetic improvements to your car. You could add wiper brackets, an interior LED-lighting-system, or your own personalised registration. With over 45 million personalised, private, and cherished number plates to choose from, Absolute Reg is one of the best companies to purchase distinctive registration plates.
FIND CAR DEALERS
Once you have figured out the overall costs of buying and running a car, you can proceed with looking for one that suits your needs. Begin your search online. You will be able to find car dealers with ease. You can also use the internet and local classified ads to find private sellers. Purchasing from an individual private dealer can often be less expensive. However, buying from a reputable dealer is safer because you will have more legal protection should anything go wrong with the car.
CHECK EVERYTHING OVER
You need to check several things before you decide to purchase a car you are interested in. If you are buying second hand, you need to know the car’s age, mileage, and MOT history. You also need to know how many previous owners it has had and what modifications and repairs have been done. Whether you buy new or second hand, it is crucial you make sure all the functions and features of the car are in perfect working order.
TAKE A TEST DRIVE
You cannot know if it is the car for you if you do not give it a test drive. Ensure the engine is cold before you set off. A warm engine can indicate there are hidden problems. When test driving the car, test the clutch, test the brake and check out the car’s performance for things like acceleration and taking corners. Also, listen out for any strange sounds or vibrations.
HAGGLE THE PRICE
Whether you are buying a new or second-hand car, there is always room for negotiation. Brits may generally have an aversion over haggling. But the truth is car dealers, and private car owners are almost always happy to negotiate prices. A little time spent haggling could save you hundreds or even thousands of pounds.
