Passing your driving test is a great thrill. After months or even longer of learning to drive, you are finally able to take to the road on your own in your very own car. You will not doubt be itching to get your own set of wheels and enjoy the freedom that owning a car can bring.

But before you can own your own car, you will first need to find a car to buy. With so many cars to choose from, how do you know whether you are making the right choices or not?

In this article, we’ll share some tips for first-time drivers who have just passed their driving test.

Decide On Your Budget

Before you buy your car you will need to work out how much you can afford to spend on one. Don’t forget, paying for the vehicle in the first place is only a part of the cost that you need to think about. You will also need to think about things like fuel, running costs, maintenance, repairs, car accident lawyer, as well as breakdown and towing services.

The running costs, repairs, and insurance costs will all differ on different cars so it is essential that you do some research into the costs associated with owning the car that you choose. ‘

Don’t just look at the price of the car, consider the cost of keeping the car too.

Safety

You have to keep in mind that safety goes far beyond the seat belts; you need to think about airbags, how easy it is to get out of the car if need be, and even the sizing itself can also play a massive impact on all of this. Your insurance cost will also have something to do with it, and when it comes to auto accident lawyers, they’re going to want to know about your car, too, as they might also need to judge its safety levels. In general, just be sure not to pick a car solely for aesthetics; look into the test crash rating and other factors because your life just might be on the line (as scary as it is to think).

New Vs. Used

The next decision that you’ll need to make is whether you are going to buy new or used. There are pros and cons to doing both and your budget may well dictate which option you choose.

With a new car, you are the first owner. Everything is new and you shouldn’t need to worry about any repairs being needed for quite some time. New cars don’t hold their value though. By the time your car is a year old, its value will have dropped by 40%.

With a used car, you will get a vehicle for a lower price. You may not have a warranty on the vehicle and you will need to consider any repairs needed in the future.

Dealers Vs. Private Sellers

If you are buying your car used, you will need to decide whether to buy your car from a dealer or from a private seller. With a dealer, you have the security of buying from a known business, whereas you are more likely to pay slightly more. When buying a second-hand car from a private seller, you will save money – but it is a case of ‘buyer beware.’

Insurance Costs

The next thing that you need to think about will be insurance costs. Before you commit to buying a car, shop around for some quotes. Your age, address, occupation, and the type of car you are driving will all affect the cost.

There are ways that you can lower your insurance costs. By have a telematics device fitted to your car, you could save yourself a considerable amount on your annual premium.