Buying your first car is a momentous decision and a pivotal moment in your life. It’s the car you’ll (hopefully) look back on fondly and when your grandchildren ask you what cars were like in the “old days” you’ll have plenty of noteworthy anecdotes to keep them occupied with.
However, in the here and now you’ve got a difficult decision to make. It’s easy to be bombarded with deals, offers and to feel like you’re being pulled in all different directions. So, it’s important to take note of how you can save as much money as possible, get a car that fits your requirements and one that provides you with safety and confidence.
To give you some guidance, read on for some important factors to consider when you’re buying your first car.
The insurance
Buying your first car is costly. And that’s before you take car insurance into consideration. As frustrating as paying out even more money can feel, having the right coverage in place is not only essential but a legal requirement. Not just here in Australia but anywhere in the world. It’s recommended that newly qualified drivers invest in fully comprehensive cover, that way if the worst does happen, they’re fully covered. You can purchase fully comprehensive car insurance with Qantas, click the link to get started.
As a new driver with limited experience, you’ll notice that your insurance premiums are higher than most. Thankfully, there are ways you can keep the costs down, such as being added to another policy in your household, purchasing a car with a small engine and taking a defensive driving course.
Understand what you need
A large SUV that can handle all kinds of terrain in the bush and the outback sounds great. But if you’re only using it to get from home to university or to your job in the next town, then it’s hardly practical. Make sure you’re separating your needs from your wants. Consider how much room you’ll need for any passengers, how good the gas mileage is and if it complements your budget, along with the safety features, ADAS systems and the transmission type.
Second hand is probably better for you
Picture a second-hand car and images of rusty buckets, heaving down the road with plumes of black smoke choking out of the exhaust probably spring to mind. However, these days second-hand cars are much more roadworthy! Whether you want to buy something outright or work out a finance option, you can pick up a second-hand car with modern safety features that’s only a few years old from a local dealership.
With a second-hand car, you’re literally paying for what you get. Whereas with a brand new vehicle, the value of the car will hugely decrease before you’ve even driven down the road, meaning you’ll end up paying more than what it’s worth.
And finally, conduct plenty of research
Buying your first car is an exciting process. Make sure you conduct plenty of research into what vehicle is best for you and your current financial situation.
