When learning to drive, there are lots of new information to know before, during, and after passing your test and achieving your provisional licence. One thing you are going to need to ensure you achieve that ticket to independence and freedom is your own car.
For a lot of people, buying their first car is one of the first big financial investments that they undertake as a young person and there is a lot that goes into it, and many things to consider. So you want to know where to start? Keep reading to find out some things to consider when purchasing your first vehicle.
What's your budget?
When making any significant financial decision, a budget is the first thing to think about. How much money are you able and willing to spend on your first car? It's important to consider that the vehicle itself isn't the only cost of car ownership. Your budget should also include the following costs.
- Registration - some cars will have registration included. This saves time and money from getting your car registered. The registration cost changes depending on how many cylinders your vehicle has.
- Fuel price - does your car need a specific fuel? How much does it take to fill a tank and how fuel efficient is it?
- Car insurance - how much will it cost to insure your vehicle? The worth of your car will affect the cost of this.
- Servicing and maintenance - how much will regular servicing and maintenance cost you? This changes depending on the model and make of your car. It's important to do your research on this.
New or used?
Are new or used cars better? Which one is the most value for money? Most new drivers aren't even contemplating purchasing a new car because the cost is too much. There are benefits to being the first owner of a vehicle, but a high cost comes with it. The value of a new car also significantly decreases after you drive it away from the dealer, so it's important to think about how long you plan on having the car. There are plenty of great quality second cars at various price ranges available, and having a brand-new car isn't necessarily the best financial decision to make.
Automatic or Manual?
Not sure whether to buy an automatic or manual car? There are a lot of factors that come into making this choice. Read this fantastic article to help you make this decision.
Do your research
Is there a particular brand better than the rest? Not necessarily. All car brands have their benefits and weaknesses and each model of car is different too. The best way to determine whether the car is right for you is to research. There are many sites that can give you the customer and professional reviews on particular makes and models of vehicles. The year a car was made is an important piece of information to know, as model quality differs each year. These sites can also give you information on the price of the car should be for both private and commercial sales.
Ownership, accident, and servicing history
Knowing the history of the vehicle is important and shows you a lot about the confidence you can put in the seller and that the vehicle you are purchasing is reliable. If the vehicle is missing any of the servicing history, this is a red flag that will want to investigate further before purchasing.
Another check worthwhile doing, once you have decided that you are interested in a particular vehicle is the PPSR. It does cost $2 to undertake, but you will be able to view the registered make, model, and year of the car, whether the car has even been written off, and if it has had a product recall.
Check the vehicle for damage and required maintenance
Checking the vehicle's physical condition is important to determine how well the car has been looked after. If you do not feel comfortable doing this yourself, many mechanics are happy to do a car inspection for a fee. Some things to consider include:
- Look under the bonnet. Any build-up of dirt and road grime that appears caked on is often a sign of fluid leaks. These could be leaks in the power-steering pump, radiator, hoses, transmission, oil pan, engine seals, or oil-cooler lines. As well as the engine, these fluids leak onto the ground beneath the car, leaving more obvious tell-tale signs. Coolant leaks leave a light-coloured residue or stain, power-steering fluid has a reddish colour, while oil is dark and greasy.
- Inspect the tires. Tires can be a large additional expense. Check them to ensure the tread isn't really worn and that the wear is even across all the tires. If it's uneven, this could indicate misalignment or other issues.
- Check the transmission. Gear changes should be smooth and pressing your foot down on the clutch or the accelerator should be smooth as well. If this is not the case, it could be indicating an issue.
Safety Rating
Safety is of course a big factor when purchasing a car, especially as a new driver on the road. All modern cars since 1994 have come with an Australian Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) rating out of 5 stars, which indicates their observed safety performance for both vehicle occupants and pedestrians. You can research the vehicle you are considering here.
Test drive the vehicle
Test driving is a very important step in the process of buying a car. You not only want to ensure that it is fully functioning but that it feels right for you. All good quality dealerships and private owners should allow you to test drive the vehicle before buying. If you are still a learner driver whilst car shopping, you will likely have to bring a trusted companion to test drive it for you. Don't worry if you test drives a few cars before finding one that feels right, that is completely normal.
