A Guide To Buying Your First Car

The hours of lessons are over and that pass certificate is finally in your hands; you’re legally allowed to drive! The passing-your-test milestone is closely followed by another; buying your first car. This is both exciting and daunting in equal measure, but there are ways you can make this process both smooth and enjoyable. 

As a used car dealership located here in Harrogate, we help first-time car buyers from across Yorkshire find their first car; here are a few tips for picking a car that’s perfect for you… 

Work out what you need

For many just-passed drivers, an affordable, easy-to-drive runaround is all you’re after. However, if you’ve got little ones in tow, will regularly be carrying cargo, or need something a little more powerful for the commute you can now do by road, you may have slightly different requirements. 

Draw up a list of non-negotiable criteria, remembering to keep it realistic in terms of how added extras affect your budget. You’ll then be less likely to become overwhelmed by choice or sidetracked by models outside of your budget. 

Set your spend 

This is perhaps the most important part of your car-buying preparation, and your stress-free experience hinges on how much thought you give to your budget. While some do opt for new cars as their first, a used car can still get you good quality and a decent specification for a more manageable price tag - it really doesn’t have to be an old banger. 

There are two parts to consider at the budgeting stage of the process: 

Purchase price 

First, you’ll need to decide whether you’ll be paying for the car upfront, or whether you’d prefer to take out car finance in order to spread the cost across monthly instalments. Either way, you’ll need to have a certain amount of money ready to go, either to cover the lump sum or for your car finance deposit. 

If you opt for car finance and choose your car here at Carlingo, we’re on hand to talk you through the process - we know it can be a little overwhelming. 

Running costs 

Keeping your car on the road requires some monthly investment; petrol, tax, insurance, repairs and maintenance are all elements that will cost you money. Work out what you can comfortably afford, perhaps setting aside a certain amount for annual maintenance each month.  

Get shopping 

Now comes the exciting bit; picking out the perfect first car. We’d recommend heading for a reputable car retailer, like us here at Carlingo.

Online listings make it easy to browse from the comfort of your sofa, but we completely understand if you prefer to get a feel for each car in person - it’s why we’ve created a fresh, modern dealership. Our cars are showcased properly, and our customers can relax and enjoy the experience.  

Time for a test drive 

To truly fall in love with your first car, it’s a good idea to test drive it first. Once you’ve narrowed it down to one or two vehicles, take it for a spin to get a feel for it. Remember to put it through its paces in situations it will encounter with you. For example, if you’re going to be doing a lot of urban driving, incorporate narrower roads into the test drive. 

Get everything set

Once you’ve made the all-important decision, it’s time to get set to take on your first car. This includes taxing it (tax no longer comes with the car, it must be set up by the new owner), and taking out the appropriate insurance. 

For extra peace of mind, we’d recommend an extended used car warranty too, to protect against unexpected repair costs. 

Find your first car in Harrogate

Buying your first car is a rite of passage, so if you’re a brand new motorist, we invite you to enjoy the experience here at Carlingo. We’ve got a range of vehicles in stock that are not only fantastic value, but also in fantastic condition too. 

A reasonable purchase price and low running costs don’t have to come at the expense of having a good-looking car that will last for years to come; visit us in Harrogate and see for yourself. Get started by browsing online.