As a first-time driver, navigating the car sales domain is a tough one. There are so many cars to choose from and if you don’t have a lot of knowledge of cars in general, you may struggle to sift through the masses that are available.

What are the benefits of certain models and makes? How do you find the right car for you and your needs as a first-time driver? With that being said, here are some helpful tips to shop for a car as a first-timer driver.

Think about used cars vs new cars

First and foremost, it’s important to consider the differences and benefits of used cars as opposed to new cars. Both have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. For example, new cars won’t be subject to MOT services until three years later. Used cars, however, might be more affordable than those that have just rolled off the manufacturing line.

It’s good to look at new and used cars when it comes to picking a car as a first-time driver. There might be budget restrictions if you’re young or it might be that a new car would make you feel more comfortable, knowing you’re the first driver to use the car.

You might find it useful to assess the cars available on the market by making comparisons between the two and figuring out which one is the best option for you as everyone is different.

Do your research on car brands

Research on car brands is a must because every car brand offers something different. While there are a lot of makes and models that are similar, the manufacturer is going to have a specific quality or uniqueness that makes their cars stand out from the crowd.

With so many car brands on the market, it can feel a little overwhelming on where to start. With that being said, it might be worth getting to know the ones you’re already familiar with or recognise just by name. For those you don’t know anything about, it’s worth doing more of a deep dive on these, perhaps asking friends and family about the brand if they own one.

Some drivers stick with the same car brands year in and year out, whereas others will hop from one brand to another. With that in mind, find out which one is the best for your needs and preferences.

Create a tick list of preferences

All cars have something a little different to offer from the make and models of cars. To help manage that overwhelming challenge of finding a car, it’s worthwhile exploring what you want from the car itself.

For example, you might want a tech-heavy car with all the mod-cons from rear-end cameras and sensors for parking, to entertainment systems that offer all of the necessities to keep you entertained on the road.

This ticklist is something you can then take on your shopping adventures when looking for a car. Whether you look online or offline, having a tick list is going to ensure you don’t end up with a car that you didn’t really want in the first place. It’s easy to get swept up in the sales talk that happens when you go to a car salesroom or speak to private sellers online.

Be detailed with your preferences too and if you’re not knowledgeable on typical car interiors and exteriors, do the research to become aware of it.

Look online and offline

While there are some great car dealerships in person, you don’t want to neglect the opportunities that come from car dealer websites either. 

Online and offline options are a great way to explore the market as a whole and not miss out on any golden opportunities to find some wonderful deals for your first car.

When it comes to exploring online websites though, you should take caution. There are going to be sites that aren’t legitimate and therefore dangerous for those who might be lulled into a deal that’s not the real deal. You should also be wary about who you meet when seeing a listing from a private dealer.

Consider running and maintenance costs

Every car has varying degrees of running and maintenance costs. Some cars are more expensive, especially if the car is a high-end luxury car or a bigger car for families needing more room.

As a first-time driver, you might find that some of the cars you want might be within your budget to purchase but when it comes to running or maintaining it, the cost is too much.

You want to be realistic when it comes to running and maintaining a car because you don’t want to end up with a car that’s become too expensive to own. Look at the average running costs for the types of car that you want to buy and consider whether or not auto protection plans would make your purchase more feasible.

Research insurance quotes

As a first-time driver, you might be subjected to more expensive insurance due to be a new driver. While this can be frustrating, it’s something that’s there to protect you and therefore should be researched in order to find the best deal.

Some insurance products will only provide so much coverage, whereas others will provide a wealth of coverage so that if you find yourself in an accident or have a problem with your car, then it will be sorted under the insurance.

When it comes to different cars, some will incur higher insurance charges, so it’s worth knowing what price you’d be paying depending on the car you choose. Insurance after all is going to be a part of your running costs.

Take a shopping buddy along with you

To help with finding the right car, it’s worthwhile finding a shopping buddy to go with you. This should be someone who is knowledgeable about cars and will therefore be able to highlight what might be an advantage or disadvantage of the car.

If you’re after a specific brand of car, then you might want to look at taking someone who is already familiar with the brand. Ideally, someone who has years of experience and has gone through multiple cars over the years is a good choice.

By having someone who knows cars, is going to make your job easier of finding a car that you like and is suited to you. If you’re not taking along someone who is knowledgeable about cars, then you might end up being sales-talked into going for a car that you didn’t really want in the first place.

Do a test drive before committing

A test drive is a necessity when it comes to being a first-time driver. This will be your first experience of owning and driving a car that isn’t your driving instructor’s vehicle! With that being said, you should test drive before committing to the car itself.

With test driving, this should be offered to you. If it’s not, then it’s a red flag that you should avoid buying it and look elsewhere. Make sure you take your time with the test drive. Get a feel of the vehicle and ensure that it’s everything you want from a car when it comes to performance.

Shopping for a car as a first-time driver is challenging, so it’s good to be proactive and to do your research before going forward with anything and putting your money down. These tips will ensure you get the car you deserve as a newly qualified driver on the road.