Buying your first car | learnr™
Firstly, it is always a good idea to check to see if any of your friends or family are looking to sell their current car (either now, or in the near future), as you may be able to get a good price and you can rest assured about the condition.
As a new driver, you probably won't have alot of money and will be looking for a second hand car to last you a few years (after all, it probably will get a few dents and scratches!).
Where to look for a car?
- Friends and family
- Second hand dealerships (but remember, they will be making a markup on the car, whereas a private seller, probably just wants what it is worth because they have a new car!)
- Magazines such as the Ad-Mag or AutoTrader, which may also be available online.
Here are some tips to help get you started on the car search:
- Take a friend or family member who knows more about cars with you to any viewings, if you can try to take someone with insurance which allows them to drive any car - so they can test drive it for you.
- Check for low miles
- Does it have a while to go before its next MOT? If not, you could face all sorts of problem, if it has just recently passed, ask about the advisory notifications the car recieved.
- When is the tax due? Not normally a deal breaker, but if you are having to pay for tax straight after buying it, remember to consider that along with the price of the car.
- Spare tire? If not, can they get one for you?
- Tires in good condition, with enough tred?
Getting a second hand car home
As soon as you sign the DVLA notification form, the car is legally yours, and no longer insured under the previous owner, so you either need a policy in place to drive it home, or they can drive it to your home, sign the form there, and you can get a friend to drop them off.