If you’ve just passed your driving test, congratulations! Now you’re probably wondering if you’re ready to buy your first car.
This post is a quick guide to buying your first car. We’ll cover the essential questions to ask yourself when it comes to practicalities and budget. We’ll then cover the sort of features you should look for in your first car.
There are many good reasons to own your own car. You’ll have total freedom to drive wherever you want, whenever you want! Plus, most people develop a deep affection for their first cars. You’ll always look back fondly on your first car, no matter what you drive.
How to Know You’re Ready To Own Your Own Car?
Owning a car can be a big step, especially for teenagers and new drivers. While it offers independence and convenience, there are also some important challenges to consider:
- It’s Expensive – The cost of car ownership goes far beyond the initial purchase. You’ll need to budget for fuel, road tax, insurance, annual MOT tests, and regular maintenance and servicing. These ongoing expenses can add up quickly.
- It’s a Big Responsibility – As a car owner, you’re in charge of keeping the vehicle roadworthy and legal. That means staying on top of MOTs, routine upkeep, and necessary repairs. You’ll also be responsible for finding safe parking, keeping the car clean, and ensuring it’s secure when not in use.
What’s The Alternative to Owning Your Own Car?
You could become a named driver on someone else’s car insurance – one of your parents, for instance. This would enable you to drive their car while getting the same level of insurance cover that they get. So if they have comprehensive cover, so will you.
The price of their car insurance will go up. But you’ll pay less for insurance overall than you would if you got your own car with your own insurance policy.
Plus, you won’t be wholly responsible for servicing, maintenance, car tax, MOTs, parking, and the many other responsibilities that come with owning your own car. You could contribute, of course. But the point is that these would be shared responsibilities, which you might find a bit more manageable.
The Downsides of Being a Named Driver
The one thing to bear in mind about being a named driver is that your parent, or whoever’s insurance you are added to as a named driver, must remain the “main” driver of the car. Essentially, they’ll have to drive it more than you. If you intend to use the car for a daily commute, or you plan to drive it every day, then being a named driver might not be for you. In this instance you could be added as the main driver or you may decide to buy your own car.
What To Look For In Your First Car
If you feel you are ready to own your own car, what should you look for in your first car?
Ideally, your first car will be:
- Within your budget.
- Cheap to run.
- Simple, safe, and fuel efficient.
Why fuel efficient? Because it can reduce your running costs, and because fuel efficient cars tend to be in the lower insurance groups.
Read our full guide to what to look for in your first car.
Good Cars For New Drivers
If the best car for a new driver is a small car with good fuel economy, what sort of make and model should you look for?
We recently published a guide to cars with the best fuel economy for new drivers. As we first published this in May 2024, many of the models we listed may be even more affordable now – you might be able to get a good second hand deal!
How Much to Spend on Your First Car
There’s no denying that buying a car is expensive. But so is running a car. We listed some of the ongoing running costs above: Fuel, servicing, maintenance, MOTs, car tax, parking… it all adds up!
Read our full guide to budgeting for your first car. Our guide offers some advice on saving, with links to further resources on how to get a good deal, and how to manage those ongoing running costs.
How To Get Cheaper Car Insurance as a New Driver
New drivers and young drivers tend to pay more for car insurance than older, more experienced drivers. However, there are ways that young drivers may be able to save money on the cost of cover. Read our full guide to getting cheaper car insurance as a young driver.
Get Comprehensive Cover From Go Girl
At Go Girl, we specialise in driving down the cost of cover for young drivers and new drivers.
Get your insurance from us and you’ll immediately start working towards that no claims discount.
Get a quote for new driver insurance and buy online in minutes.
