See all Motoring Advice Buying your first car can, for many, be a daunting task for a myriad of reasons. Your dad might be giving you lectures about fuel economy. You might be concerned that you can’t seem to get a car that enhances your carefully cultivated image. By virtue of the fact that it’s your first car there can often be financial constraints as to what model you can afford.
Well the good news is that we are here to help make the whole process that little bit easier. Here are some of the most common things to help you make that all important decision.
Budget
Whether you’re saving or looking for a car loan always remember that there are additional costs involved on top of the asking price for a car. Motor tax and motor insurance can be quite considerable, especially for first time drivers. As a general rule of thumb the smaller the engine size the less you are likely to have to pay in tax and insurance. On top of this there is the cost of maintaining the car, purchasing fuel and NCT costs. The NCT is required every two years for cars younger than 10 years and annually for cars older than 10 years.
We have a dedicated section on site for cars under the €5,000 mark and you would be surprised what that will get you if you do a thorough search. https://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/cars-less-than-5000
There are also many financing options available for new cars but be prepared to have your credit rating examined and many also work on the basis of a down payment.
Learner Driver
It is advisable if you are a learner driver to keep the engine size to a minimum and choose a small car. Not only will this reduce ad on costs it also allows you to hone new skills more easily. Three point turns, parallel parking and hill starts tend to be easier in a Ford Fiesta than in a BMW X6. Unless you are a born Lewis Hamilton that is!
Our expert Shane recommends a Volkswagen up! A Skoda Citigo or Hyundai i10 if you’re buying a nearly new car or a Nissan Micra or Suzuki Alto if you need something cheaper.
https://www.carzone.ie/ask-carzone/Best-option-for-a-learner--item2467.html
Safety
If you’re buying a new car it will usually come with a warranty that will entitle you to repairs or replacement parts and cover the cost of any work that needs to be done. If you are buying a car second hand the seller is required to give you accurate and truthful information in regards to any questions you have about the car.
**Top tip!** Never buy a car in the dark. You want to be sure that the car car has never been in an accident. Don’t be afraid to ask the seller in no uncertain terms if the car has ever been crashed or had any bodywork repairs whatsoever. Better yet, have a witness with you when you ask.
However if you are not terribly motor savvy it can be very worthwhile to enlist the help of a trusted mechanic to verify the condition of the car. Likewise associations such as the AA run car inspection services which will guarantee you peace of mind that the car you are buying is in top condition.
No reputable seller will have any issue with you giving the car a thorough once over.
Car buying hacks
- Check the paintwork for signs of repainting. Overspray on the window rubbers or inconsistency of the paintwork are a dead giveaway here.
- Check the tyres. Not just a kick! Check the threads for wear and tear.
- Check the body lines of the chassis for dents, inconsistency or warping.
- Check the odometer for any signs of tampering.
- Make sure that all keys provided open all locks. Always insist on having a spare set.
It’s your decision
At the end of the day it’s going to be your car and you’ll be the one driving it. We spend a lot of time in our cars – make sure that you get the one that’s right for you!