Buying Your First Car

Thursday, May 18, 2017
Image from Car & Vintage via Pinterest
I passed my driving test back in December (second time round with only four minors) and since then I've become a named driver on my dads car/insurance as it was the cheapest option but it's not ideal. We have been sharing the car which is an adorable but old Renault Clio that I love and find really easy to drive even though it has a very heavy clutch however I'd love my own car. I've been looking on and off for the past couple of months at cars but it's quite difficult to know what is good or not and there are so many factors that go into buying a car, especially your first car.

Price 
Obviously one of the first things to think about is your budget, not only for the car but insurance, how much road tax you'll have to pay, the MOT or an initial service or fees you might have to pay as well as breakdown cover. The price for most first time car buyers, like myself, isn't going to be huge and I don't think you'd want a luxe, expensive car initially as you may have passed your test but you still carry on learning. My dad has said from the beginning of my learning to drive that you learn to pass the test, then you learn how to drive and it's so true, especially when driving on your own.

Brand, Model & Style
Another important factor is the brand, model and style of the car you want; for example, do you want an automatic now rather than a manual? Do you want a more eco friendly car with few emissions and therefore less tax? Do you like one brand/model over another? Which brand is more reliable?

If I had the money, I'd definitely want a cute vintage Fiat 500 from the 50's/60's but they are a little pricy for a first car and if anything went wrong with it then I don't think parts would be cheap either but I can dream! There are a few articles out there about the best car for learners and for first time cars buyers and all of them are little practical cars like the Renault Clio. Research online, ask friends or family and find out what everyone thinks is the most reliable brand and model - personal recommendations and reviews are so useful!

Insurance Group & Road Tax
Different cars have different insurances prices based on engine size or other factors, for example, the Renault Clio I drive has a 'sport' engine so the insurance is more expensive if you're not a named driver. Look at the car you want or an approximation, get on some insurance comparison sites and compare the quotes - as with most things it's better to shop around!

For road tax, as of April 2017, there have been some changes and prices have risen *cries* so make sure you check! It's based on the cars carbon dioxide emissions and the list price so the more eco-friendly the better but that does usually raise the initial price of the car.

If you didn't want to or can't buy a car outright then you could do what I'm doing and share a car/be a named driver on a family members car if you can (although it's not a ideal option, your own insurance is better). Alternatively, a personal lease can be a cheap choice as it's kind of the car version of renting a house where you pay a certain amount per month for the car.

*This is a sponsored post
*Image from Pinterest 

Do you drive? If so, what was your first car? What is your dream car? 

23 comments

  1. I am actually in the process of getting my driving license, buying a car is already stressing me out it's such an expensive purchase.

    Candice | Beauty Candy Loves

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  2. I've been driving for over 8 years now and driving is definitely expensive. I've got a Renault Clio and my first car was also a Renault Clio, although I would like to purchase a newer car within the next couple of years.

    Kristy | The Violet Blonde

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  3. Aw I remember my first car x

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  4. I've been driving for about 6 months, using my parents car with no plans to get my own as it's so expensive and I commute into work anyways. I know it would be nice to have my own car but seeing as I want to buy my own home I'd rather save the money. Good luck with your hunt!!

    http://thedianaedition.com

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  5. Tax and insurance is a lot more expensive in Ireland than in the UK for some reason - as are cars! Good luck with your first car purchase xx

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  6. I'm seriously scared about taking a driving test, just because of my hearing. It's a rather daunting situation for me to be in, although I'd love to drive. There's sure a lot to think about after you've passed your test x

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  7. I'd love a little Fiat 500 but I need to learn to drive first!

    Gemma x | flutterandsparkle.com

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  8. I would need to learn to drive before I could even think about what car I would want x

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  9. I'm 32 now and on my 5th car. I passed my test at 18, and my first car was a Peugeot 205. It only had 4 gears, and a manual choke (ask your parents about the joy of that little addition to deal with!). After about 8 months (and a few bashes into walls - and my mums car...oops), the head gasket went, and I sold it to a college for mechanics. My next car was a Peugeot 106 which was OK, but not my favourite! The entire braking system went on that...that was GREAT fun! NOT! Next car was a Ford Fiesta...with dark tinted windows, huge alloy wheels and a sub and amp. It was my 'chav' car. The gearbox failed on it after about 18 months, so I part exchanged it for the best car ever. My trusty Nissan Micra. It was the first car I bought without any parental help, I got an excellent deal on the part exchange and the price of the car was affordable. I highly recommend Nissan Micras. I had that car for 7 years, and not once did it ever let me down! A couple of years ago though, I got a payrise at work and decided that I needed to treat myself to something extravagant, and with the help of my fiance ordered an AlfaRomeo MiTo in White. It is beautiful. I absolutely love my car.

    Good Luck in your search! Enjoy it!

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  10. I want a range rover haha but agree with all you have said - it's really not as easy as people make out, when deciding which car is bet for you x

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  11. My daughter passed her test in April and is currently looking at cars xxx

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  12. My first car was a really cute black ford ka x

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  13. I can't drive but I wish so much that I stuck at my lessons when I was younger and less afraid. It would make life smuch easier with the baby and would give me more freedom.

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  14. I haven't been able to drive due to surgeries on my leg but I really want to once I am able to.

    www.EmmysBeautyCave.com

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  15. I really need to start driving. I passed a few years ago but haven't really had a reason to buy my own car! Xx

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  16. My first car was £500, it had no power steering, it was a 1.1 Citoreon Saxo and I LOVED it. It had a CD player *cringe* it was cool at the time I promise lol

    Erin || MakeErinOver

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  17. Thanks for the read during my insomnia xx

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  18. So exciting getting your first car! I would love a Range Rover! X

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  19. Very informative! Thanks for sharing hun!

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  20. Seeing so many comments about range rovers...must admit I want one too hahah!
    Chantelle x
    The Girl In The Tartan Scarf

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  21. All the cars I want are way too expensive haha

    Cass | CassandraMyee

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  22. Great post and very useful! I passed around 12 years ago - and remember my trusty first car - a Peugeot 205! x

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  23. Interesting post. I want to go vintage!

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