Once the excitement of passing your test has subsided, the next thought will be getting a great set of wheels. There’s much to consider before you head off to the forecourts. Firstly, the grim reality; if you are under 25, that insurance cost will be a factor. While your imagination might dream of something racy, your brain and budget will tell you it’s not happening yet. Do not despair. Many small, insurance-affordable cars are fun to drive and fabulous to look at.
Setting a budget
After financing a home, a car is likely to be your second most expensive outlay. If you are a young driver, the chances are that you will still live with your parents so that the car will be your most significant expenditure. Whether you are supplementing this purchase with the bank of mum or dad, sound advice is to raise a decent amount of capital to allow you to buy the best car that you can. Finance deals will always be available, but you need to consider how these will impact on your monthly outgoings carefully.
Best buys
With a budget in mind, here are some ideas for relatively cheap, safe and easy to drive cars. Each of these cars come with a low insurance group and a decent safety record.
Here are the 10 best first cars for new drivers in 2018:
1. Skoda Citigo
2. Ford Fiesta
3. Volkswagen Polo
4. SEAT Ibiza
5. Kia Picanto
6. Hyundai i10
7. Ford Ka+
8. Dacia Sandero
9. Suzuki Baleno
10. Toyota Aygo/Peugeot 108/Citroen C1
Source: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/best-cars/first-cars/64339/best-first-cars-for-new-drivers
However, as with all lists, do your homework. This list is not exclusive, and you need to match lots of factors: cost, insurance and availability. Consider that some small cars carry a hefty insurance price tag. The Corsa is a classic example due to its reputation as a modified boy racer car.
Where to buy?
Another minefield is where to buy your first car. You will see lots of listings: everywhere!
eBay has thousands, and private sales can seem attractive. However, private sales have no warranty and while you can take on dodgy deals via a small claims court, is this really how you wanted to spend your first year of driving? Private sales are great if you, a family member or a friend know something about cars beyond the obvious. Similarly, factor in distance. The cheap car of your dreams might be sitting in a driveway in Carlisle but you are in Brighton and, realistically, you need to cost that lengthy, possibly wasted journey.
Then there are the dealers. Dealers of second-hand motors have had a bad press, but they can offer peace of mind. Cars will come with a warranty. Better deals will include membership of a motoring organisation, a near full MOT, and lots of pre-purchase checks. Once again, take an older and reasonable person along. The dealer can smell your over excitement and enthusiasm and that will limit negotiations.
Whatever you decide, your first car should be a happy one. One where you make many driving memories.
